Leal Therapeutics, a biotechnology company pioneering novel treatments for central nervous system (CNS) disorders, has announced the closing of a $30 million Series A financing round. The round was led by SV Health Investors’ Dementia Discovery Fund (DDF), with continued support from existing investors including OrbiMed, Newpath Partners, Chugai Venture Fund, Euclidean Capital, Alexandria Venture Investments, and PhiFund.
Leal’s therapeutic strategy centers on the hypothesis that correcting metabolic dysfunctions in the brain is key to treating neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. This approach is grounded in robust data from human genetics, biomarker analyses, and preclinical models, positioning the company at the forefront of CNS innovation.
The company’s lead candidate, LTX-001, is a first-in-class, brain-penetrant oral small molecule that inhibits the mitochondrial enzyme glutaminase, thereby reducing excessive glutamate—a neurotransmitter linked to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Early clinical data demonstrate strong safety and target engagement, validating the compound’s mechanism of action.
Leal is also advancing LTX-002, a near-clinical antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting SPTLC1, a key subunit in the ceramide/sphingolipid synthesis pathway. Excessive ceramides are implicated in both genetic and sporadic ALS, and LTX-002 aims to halt disease progression by disrupting this metabolic cascade.
In parallel, the company is developing LTX-007, a small molecule inhibitor of SPT, with potential applications in Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and inherited sphingolipidoses—a group of rare metabolic disorders.
Beyond its therapeutic pipeline, Leal is investing in next-generation delivery platforms to enhance the transport of nucleic acid-based therapies across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Using antibody-like shuttles, the company aims to overcome one of the most significant challenges in CNS drug development: targeted and efficient delivery to the brain.
With the new funding and a deep bench of scientific and investment partners, Leal Therapeutics is prepared to advance clinical development, expand its pipeline, and bring transformative therapies to patients with limited treatment options. The Series A funding will support ongoing trials, regulatory engagement, and platform innovation as the company scales its operations.
New board member: In connection with the funding, Christian Jung, Ph.D., Partner at SV Health Investors, joined Leal’s board of directors.
How the funding will be used: The proceeds from the Series A financing will be used to advance LTX-001 through a clinical trial in schizophrenia patients, as well as progress LTX-002 through initial clinical data in ALS.
KEY QUOTES:
“This financing enables us to further progress our first-in-class neuro-metabolic pipeline to clinical data for patients with severe unmet needs. We’re grateful to our new and existing investors for their shared commitment to advancing this work.”
Asa Abeliovich, M.D., Ph.D., founder and chief executive officer of Leal
“Leal is advancing promising and highly differentiated programs for CNS disorders with a clear clinical strategy and a uniquely qualified team. We believe the company is well-positioned to make significant strides in the treatment of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. We’re proud to support Leal as they take this next critical step.”
Dr. Jung
