In multiple sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating disorder, autoimmunity is generally considered the primary underlying pathophysiological cause. Therefore, developing treatments for MS has traditionally focused on modulating the immune system. However, an alternative hypothesis explains MS as a primarily or initially neurodegenerative disorder, in which neuronal death releases myelin, triggering a secondary autoimmune reaction.

Voyager Therapeutics Inc. has entered into a strategic collaboration and capsid license agreement with Novartis Pharma AG, a subsidiary of Novartis AG, to advance potential gene therapies for Huntington’s disease and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Saniona AB has selected its proprietary GABA-A α5 negative allosteric modulator lead compound, SAN-2465, as a clinical candidate for major depressive disorder following encouraging results in a rodent model.

Enveric Biosciences Inc. has named EB-003 as its lead drug candidate from the company’s next-generation EVM301 series. EB-003 was selected based on data analyses suggesting the molecule’s potential to be a first-in-class approach to addressing difficult-to-treat mental health disorders by promoting neuroplasticity without inducing hallucinations.

Novel non-addicting analgetic therapies are urgently needed to reduce the use of opiates as painkillers. With the recent discovery that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the immune system can be stimulated to decrease the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the cholinergic anti-inflammatory systems (CAS) have generated significant interest in treating pain associated with inflammation.

Saniona AB has reported that it has selected SAN-2355 as the first clinical candidate from its Kv7 epilepsy program and is poised to advance it into preclinical development.

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) leads to frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a prevalent type of dementia second only to Alzheimer's disease.