Innovations in CNS Therapies: NeuShen’s Unique Discovery to Development Approach
december 23, 2024
NeuShen Therapeutics is redefining innovation in drug discovery and development with its focus on tackling psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. In a recent webinar hosted by MSQ Ventures, Dr. Joan Shen, Founder and CEO of NeuShen Therapeutics, shared the company’s journey since its founding in early 2022. With a robust pipeline of cutting-edge therapies and a platform powered by AI-driven small molecule discovery, NeuShen is advancing solutions to address unmet medical needs worldwide.
The discussion highlighted the company’s clinical progress, including promising Phase 1 trial results, and provided insights into its global partnerships, funding, and future growth strategies.
Company Overview and Vision
NeuShen Therapeutics, founded in early 2022, is focused on developing globally competitive therapies for psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. The company operates with a lean team of fewer than 20 experts, leveraging AI-driven small molecule discovery to accelerate drug development. With over 20 proprietary patents filed, the company maintains a strong intellectual property portfolio.
Financially, NeuShen has completed a pre-Series A funding round in Q3 2022 and anticipates closing its Series A financing within the next month. The company is also seeking global partnerships to support commercialization and further R&D efforts.
Lead Compound—NS-041 (Potassium Channel Activator)
NS-041, a potassium channel activator (KCNQ 2/3), is designed for epilepsy and other neurological conditions. The compound’s mechanism suppresses seizures by hyperpolarizing cell membranes. Unlike earlier potassium activators, which were discontinued due to safety issues such as retinal toxicity, NS-041 offers broader safety margins, potent efficacy, and a reduced risk of urinary retention.
Phase 1 trials in Australia and China demonstrated a favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) profile with no serious adverse events (SAEs) reported. The compound is ready for Phase 2 trials, where it will also be evaluated for additional indications such as depression, chronic pain, and bipolar disorder.
Second Key Compound—NS-136 (Antipsychotic for Schizophrenia and Psychosis)
NS-136 is a next-generation antipsychotic targeting schizophrenia and psychosis in Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s (PD) patients. Its mechanism focuses on selective M4 receptor activation, delivering minimal side effects, greater safety, and broad therapeutic windows.
The compound has completed Phase 1 studies, showing strong safety profiles even at higher doses. Its desirable PK characteristics and low toxicity make it a viable candidate for Phase 1B studies in schizophrenia patients in early 2024. Future studies will also expand its indications to psychosis in elderly patients and bipolar disorders.
Psychedelic-Based Therapies for Depression—NS-015 and NS-031
NeuShen is advancing two psychedelic-based compounds, NS-015 and NS-031, designed for treatment-resistant depression. These therapies aim to deliver antidepressant effects without the hallucinogenic side effects commonly associated with psychedelics.
Both compounds have successfully completed preclinical evaluations and are preparing to enter clinical trials next year.
Anti-Inflammatory Therapy—NS-050
NS-050 targets neuroinflammation and is being developed for Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Preclinical studies have demonstrated high potency, excellent safety profiles, and desirable pharmacokinetics. Plans are in place to file regulatory submissions and initiate clinical trials in the coming year.
Challenges in CNS Drug Development
Dr. Shen addressed the complexities of CNS drug development, emphasizing the need for carefully designed clinical trials to reduce biases caused by cultural, linguistic, and ethnic differences.
She highlighted methods to improve trial reliability, such as centralized monitoring systems, digital tools, and third-party oversight to minimize variability.
Future Vision and Strategy
NeuShen Therapeutics is committed to expanding its global footprint, accelerating clinical development, and building strategic collaborations to deliver innovative therapies. The company envisions maximizing each compound’s commercial potential by targeting multiple indications and positioning itself for a future Nasdaq listing.
Dr. Shen concluded with an invitation for investment and partnerships, underscoring the company’s ambition to become a global leader in drug development focused on unmet medical needs.