Carnyx Therapeutics has unveiled CNYX-005, its lead oral sleep candidate, alongside preclinical findings showing increased total sleep time and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in aged animal models. 

In the study, aged rats administered with CNYX-005 showed an approximately 1.5- to 2-hour increase in total sleep time compared to the control arm, driven primarily by increased NREM sleep.  

Researchers measured sleep architecture using continuous electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring. 

“Our objective is not simply to induce sleep, but to investigate whether we can support restorative sleep physiology,” said Carnyx CEO Professor Patrick Gunning. “The increase in NREM sleep is particularly interesting because it suggests CNYX-005 may influence sleep architecture, rather than simply increasing time asleep.” 

NREM sleep is a fundamental component of normal sleep architecture, with deeper stages associated with restorative physiological processes including growth, hormone secretion and tissue repair. Sleep architecture changes with age, including reductions in deep NREM sleep and increased sleep fragmentation. 

The company also announced that Dr Chris Brearley has joined the company as Chief Medical Officer, bringing more than 30 years of experience in translational medicine, including senior roles at Pfizer, Amgen, and Serono. 

Dr Brearley said: “We are particularly encouraged by the observed increase in NREM sleep as we investigate the candidate’s potential role in restorative sleep. I look forward to helping translate these findings into a rigorous clinical development programme and supporting CNYX-005 toward potential clinical evaluation.” 

CNYX-005 emerged from research into peptide biology associated with sleep regulation and healthy ageing.  

“There is growing scientific and public interest in peptides and their potential applications in health and longevity, often ahead of rigorous clinical evidence,” added Professor Gunning. “Our focus is on translating promising biology into a formally developed therapeutic candidate through systematic preclinical evaluation and, ultimately, clinical testing.”