After Sage Therapeutics Inc. reported a phase II failure with oral dalzanemdor, also known as SAGE-718, in mild cognitive impairment related to Parkinson’s disease (PD), Wall Street’s eyes turned to ongoing mid-stage efforts with the same N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-positive allosteric modulator in Huntington’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Neurotech International Ltd.’s cannabinoid NTI-164 met the primary and secondary endpoints in a phase II/III trial in children with autism spectrum disorder. The company also reported positive top-line data for Rett syndrome in a phase I/II trial.

BNC Korea Inc. is picking up exclusive commercial rights to Kariya Pharmaceuticals ApS’ dual GLP-1/GIP agonists for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease in five countries – a move that comes shortly after BNC Korea dropped $1.5 million into the Danish pharma for a 4.5% stake.

Robust top-line phase III data showed Intra-Cellular Therapies Inc.’s marketed oral atypical antipsychotic drug, Caplyta (lumateperone), achieved statistically significant and clinically meaningful best-in-class results, potentially expanding its reach into the billion-dollar major depressive disorder market. The company’s shares (NASDAQ:ITCI) surged to a 52-week high of $84.89 throughout the day, closing at $79.84, up 23.3%, or $15.08, on April 16.

Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) TAAR family, which has been shown to be enriched in the central nervous system and periphery. TAAR1 can couple to diverse G protein subtypes, including Gs, Gq and Gi. Shandong University investigators have recently reported the discovery of a novel TAAR1 agonist as an antipsychotic drug candidate.

Voyager Therapeutics Inc. has announced the selection of a lead development candidate in the GBA1 gene therapy program for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and other GBA1-mediated diseases under its collaboration with Neurocrine Biosciences Inc.