Engrail Therapeutics announced that it has acquired NeuroCycle Therapeutics, a company focused on sub-type selective GABA-A modulation. The acquisition strengthens Engrail’s presence in the GABA-A space and provides a strong platform for initiation of clinical trials with multiple assets in 2021.
“Our flexible transaction model and science-first approach allows us to acquire high-quality assets with a lower-risk path to market where significant patient need still exists,” said Vikram Sudarsan, Ph.D., CEO and president, Engrail Therapeutics. “We combine a comprehensive view of clinical development strategy, regulatory considerations and intellectual property to find differentiated assets with validated mechanisms of action. GABA-A is a well validated target and modulators of this receptor have therapeutic effect across a broad range of neurological and psychiatric conditions. We now have multiple sub-type selective GABA-A modulators with strong profiles and look forward to rapidly advancing development.”
Dr. Sudarsan continued, “We remain committed to building a leading, patient-centric neuroscience company with a growing pipeline through licensing, co-development and acquisitions. Our goal is to build a diverse pipeline of neuroscience therapeutics over the next several years, and the acquisition of NeuroCycle represents another important step on this path. We expect 2021 to be a busy year as we consider additional transactions to expand our portfolio.”
Jed Hubbs, Ph.D., CEO and president, NeuroCycle Therapeutics said, “We believe Engrail represents the ideal company to carry on the work NeuroCycle started given their focus and experience in the GABA-A space. We look forward to seeing them bring novel medicines to patients that need them.”