Alnylam Pharmaceuticals' Newleos Secures $93.5M for Innovative Mental Health Solutions
- Newleos Therapeutics raised $93.5 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round to support mental health solutions.
- The company’s lead program, NTX-1955, is a first-in-class treatment for anxiety disorders in Phase 1 trials.
- Newleos is developing additional therapies targeting various anxiety-related conditions, demonstrating strong potential in mental health advancements.
Newleos Therapeutics Secures Funding to Address Mental Health Challenges
Newleos Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage neuroscience company, announces the successful closure of an oversubscribed Series A financing round, raising $93.5 million. This funding round, led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, sees participation from notable investors including Novo Holdings A/S, DCVC Bio, and Arkin Bio Capital. The capital will primarily support Newleos' clinical-stage pipeline, which includes the in-licensed programs from Roche targeting prevalent neuropsychiatric conditions such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, substance use disorders, and cognitive impairment. With over 60 million adults in the United States affected by these disorders, Newleos aims to address significant unmet needs within the mental health landscape.
Central to Newleos' innovative pipeline is the lead clinical program, NTX-1955 (RO7308480), a first-in-class GABAA-γ1 selective positive allosteric modulator. This novel approach targets the treatment of anxiety disorders while minimizing the side effects commonly associated with existing medications. NTX-1955 has successfully completed comprehensive non-clinical assessments and is currently undergoing Phase 1 trials, demonstrating both safety and selectivity for GABAA-γ1 receptors. The company plans to initiate proof-of-concept studies specifically for generalized anxiety disorder, furthering its commitment to addressing this critical area of mental health.
In addition to NTX-1955, Newleos has a robust pipeline featuring additional assets designed to tackle various anxiety-related conditions. These include NTX-1472, a V1a receptor antagonist targeting social anxiety disorder; NTX-2001, a TAAR1 partial agonist for substance use disorders; and NTX-1511, which aims to modulate GABAA-α5 receptors. With a seasoned team experienced in central nervous system drug development, Newleos is well-positioned to advance its innovative therapies and make meaningful contributions to the field of mental health.
Newleos' recent funding underscores the growing recognition of the urgent need for effective treatments in the mental health sector. As the company progresses through its clinical trials, stakeholders remain hopeful for breakthroughs that could transform the lives of millions suffering from anxiety and related disorders. The strategic partnerships and financial backing reveal a strong belief in Newleos' potential to lead advancements in neuroscience and mental health treatment.