// startup autopsy
Limerick BioPharma
Ran out of runway before the science could catch up.
marketfitSlow Death
Years-long decline before final shutdown · Fatal mistake: The company burned through $42M pursuing a narrow CNS/stress-disorder pipeline without securing a pharma partnership to share clinical risk.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Limerick BioPharma founded in the USA to develop small-molecule CNS therapeutics targeting stress-related disorders.
FUNDING
Company raises Series B funding, bringing total raised to over $42M to advance lead compounds into clinical trials.
FUNDING
Final funding round secured in 2012, but clinical trial results remain insufficient to attract a pharma acquirer or partner.
SHUTDOWN
Limerick BioPharma ceases operations after exhausting funding without a viable product or acquisition offer.