A consortium of European and US-based investors, alongside Nobias Therapeutics, announced the launch of Synaptiq Therapeutics, a privately held, clinical-stage biotechnology company formed to advance SYN-001 for the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome. The company was created through the acquisition of Nobias Therapeutics’ lead asset, NB-001, now renamed SYN-001. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Patrick Dougherty has been appointed Chief Executive Officer.
Founding investors include Investcorp-backed Sanos Group, a clinical research organization headquartered in Denmark, an Icelandic investment fund managed by AxUM Securities, and Arctic Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company with operations in Iceland and the United States. Nobias Therapeutics, which is majority-backed by Medical Excellence Capital, will retain an equity interest in Synaptiq alongside the founding investors. Headquartered in Iceland, Synaptiq will draw on Arctic Therapeutics’ drug development platform, clinical operations team, and research relationship with the Center for Applied Genomics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, while Sanos Group will contribute clinical development and contract research capabilities as the company prepares to launch a Phase IIb trial at medical centers across North America and Europe.
SYN-001 is a small molecule modulator of metabotropic glutamate receptors that was evaluated by Nobias Therapeutics in a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II trial, which the company said demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile along with statistically significant efficacy improvements in certain patient subgroups. The compound received Orphan Drug Designation and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation from the FDA in 2024, and Nobias announced preliminary alignment with the FDA on potential registrational endpoints in 2025. The company said 22q11DS affects approximately one in every 2,000 to 3,300 live births globally, with an estimated 65,000 people living with the condition in the United States, and that there are currently no approved therapies specifically indicated for its neuropsychiatric symptoms.
KEY QUOTES:
“The creation of Synaptiq Therapeutics marks an important milestone in the advancement of SYN-001. The program has already generated impressive Phase II data. By bringing together dedicated investors, experienced development partners and a focused operating company, we are well positioned to advance SYN-001 through Phase IIb and move closer to delivering the first approved therapy specifically indicated for individuals living with 22q11DS.”
“We are continually inspired by the resilience of individuals living with 22q11DS and by the dedication of their families, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Their experiences motivate our commitment to advancing innovative treatment options for this underserved patient community.”
Patrick Dougherty, Chief Executive Officer, Synaptiq Therapeutics
“This transaction creates an entity dedicated to realizing the potential of SYN-001. By combining Arctic Therapeutics’ development capabilities with an experienced investor group, an outstanding management team and strategic partners, we have created the right platform to accelerate development of this important program. We are delighted to welcome Patrick Dougherty as Chief Executive Officer and look forward to working together to bring a much-needed treatment option to patients and families affected by 22q11DS.”
Ivar Hakonarson, Chief Executive Officer, Arctic Therapeutics and Chairman, Synaptiq Therapeutics
