GPR139 is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor expressed in neurons of the mediobasal hypothalamus that has been proposed as a target for disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, alcohol addiction or schizophrenia, among others.

Neumora Therapeutics Inc. has announced IND clearance and initiation of a phase I study of NMRA-266 in healthy adults.

Kynexis BV has launched with €57 million in series A financing with the aim of using its experience in psychiatry, neurology, and drug discovery and development to advance therapeutics for brain diseases.

Researchers led by faculty at the Ohio State University College of Medicine have identified a previously unrecognized connection between microtubule-associated protein 6 (MAP6) and the Kv3.1 voltage-gated potassium (K+) channel – two proteins with different functions. The physical interaction between two neuronal proteins appears to maintain normal movement, anxiety and long-term recognition memory in mice.

The pivotal phase III study of brilaroxazine from Reviva Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc. for adults with schizophrenia hit its primary endpoint and two key secondary endpoints, following positive phase II data in 2021. The serotonin-dopamine signaling modulator, the company’s lead candidate, is a once-daily treatment. Results from the study showed brilaroxazine demonstrated reductions in all major symptom domains for the patients and the secondary endpoints at week 4 when comparing the 50-mg dose with placebo.

Küleon LLC (formerly Psilosterics LLC) has announced a trifunctional serotonergic small molecule that is a full 5-HT2C receptor agonist and full antagonist of the 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B receptors with potential to treat neuropsychiatric disorders. Designated KB-128, it could be developed to treat disorders that can be modulated though 5-HT2C receptors, including schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s psychosis, depression, obesity and addiction.