OUR PIPELINE
Advancing Innovation, Transforming Lives
Our pipeline features groundbreaking therapies in development to address anxiety, PTSD, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Each program reflects our commitment to advancing science and transforming patient care.
OUR PROGRAMS
BNC210: α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Negative Allosteric Modulator (NAM)
BNC210, a novel negative allosteric modulator of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, targets glutamatergic hyperactivity in brain regions linked to stress, anxiety, and mood disorders, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Preclinical studies show anti-anxiety, anti-stress, and antidepressant effects, along with improved fear extinction, highlighting its potential for PTSD treatment.
INDICATIONS
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
Social Anxiety Disorder is marked by intense fear of social or performance situations, especially involving unfamiliar people or potential scrutiny. It can range from fear of public speaking to discomfort in everyday social interactions.
Clinical Trials Update
- Phase 2 PREVAIL Trial (completed December 2022): While the trial narrowly missed its primary endpoint, the data showed promising results in pre-specified and post-hoc analyses.
- Phase 3 AFFIRM-1 Trial (ongoing - readout in Q3 2025): Patient screening is underway for this trial, which aims to evaluate BNC210 for as-needed treatment of SAD, enrolling 330 adults across U.S. clinical sites.
Learn More & Get Involved
- View PREVAIL and AFFIRM-1 scientific posters
- For clinical trial details, visit clinicaltrials.gov
- Interested in participating in AFFIRM-1? Visit AFFIRM-1 Study
INDICATIONS
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a chronic condition triggered by severe trauma, including combat, childhood abuse, or sexual violence. It manifests as intrusive memories, nightmares, severe anxiety, hypervigilance, depression, and emotional withdrawal, severely impacting daily life and well-being.
Clinical Trials Update
- Phase 2b ATTUNE Trial (completed September 2023): Conducted across 34 sites in the U.S. and U.K., the trial showed significant symptom reduction in PTSD patients. Effects were observed as early as Week 4, sustained through Week 12, with a notable effect size of 0.40. BNC210 demonstrated the potential for rapid and lasting relief.
Learn More
- View Attune Results scientific study
- For clinical trial details, visit clinicaltrials.gov.
INDICATIONS
Future Indications
Panic Disorder:
- In a Phase 1b study, BNC210 showed anti-panic properties by reducing both the number and intensity of panic attacks in a human model of panic disorder.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
- In a Phase 2 study, BNC210 demonstrated promising anti-anxiety effects, reducing anxiety scores (STAI) and improving threat avoidance behaviors. Functional MRI scans revealed a reduction in amygdala hyperactivity, a brain region linked to heightened anxiety.
OUR PROGRAMS
Next Generation α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Negative Allosteric Modulators (NAM)
Utilizing our expertise in ion channel biology and translational medicine, we are developing next generation orally bioavailable small molecule series of negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) targeting that the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor that can be potentially positioned for the treatment of additional neuropsychiatric disorders of high unmet clinical need.
OUR PROGRAMS
Kv3.1/3.2 potassium channel agonists for the treatment of cognitive deficits
Kv3.1/Kv3.2 voltage gated potassium channels are involved in regulating cognitive function and social interaction. Pharmacological activation of Kv3.1/Kv3.2 channels may possess therapeutic potential for treatment of cognitive disorders. In preclinical models our series of small molecule Kv3.1/3.2 potassium channel agonists have been associated with the reversal of pharmacologically induced cognitive deficits.
OUR PROGRAMS
Partnered Programs
BNC210, a novel negative allosteric modulator of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, targets glutamatergic hyperactivity in brain regions linked to stress, anxiety, and mood disorders, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Preclinical studies show anti-anxiety, anti-stress, and antidepressant effects, along with improved fear extinction, highlighting its potential for PTSD treatment.
PARTNERSHIP WITH MSD (MERCK)
α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulator (PAM)
Neuphoria is advancing a small molecule α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) positive allosteric modulator program to address cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
These compounds show potential for restoring memory function in conditions such as Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, and ADHD. In animal studies, they have demonstrated effectiveness across various learning and memory models with a strong safety profile, highlighting their promise for neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions.
PARTNERSHIP WITH CARINA BIOSCIENCES
LGR5 mAb For Solid Tumors (Legacy Oncology Program)
We advanced our oncology program, BNC101, targeting cancer stem cells, through external funding and out-licensing to create shareholder value. BNC101, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting LGR5, a receptor overexpressed in solid tumors, was exclusively licensed to Carina Biotech in November 2020 for CAR-T therapy development.
Carina’s LGR5-targeted CAR-T therapy, CNA3103, is in Phase 1/2a trials for metastatic colorectal cancer, with patient dosing beginning in December 2023. Under the agreement, Bionomics may earn up to AUS$118 million in milestone payments plus royalties.
Strategic Collaboration with MSD
In 2014, Neuphoria partnered with MSD (Merck & Co., Inc., USA) through an exclusive Research Collaboration and License Agreement to develop α7 Receptor PAMs for treating cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease and other CNS disorders.
Under this agreement, MSD funds all research, clinical development, and global commercialization. To date, the collaboration has generated $30M in upfront and milestone payments, with Neuphoria eligible for up to $465M in additional milestones and royalties on net sales of resulting drugs.
Advancing Innovation
BNC375: The original lead molecule demonstrated robust, dose-dependent efficacy across multiple cognitive animal models.
MK-4334: MSD’s novel clinical candidate has shown improved drug-like and pharmacological properties in preclinical studies compared to BNC375.
Clinical studies, including Phase 1 trials and biomarker evaluations, have highlighted the promise of α7 nAChR PAMs, with the program set to enter Phase 2 clinical development soon. Neuphoria and MSD remain committed to advancing groundbreaking solutions for CNS conditions.
Contact us today
Discover how our groundbreaking technology is transforming mental health—contact us today to learn more.