Gate Neurosciences has increased its R&D capabilities with new expanded research operations and lab facilities in Evanston, Illinois.
The company hopes to further build the translational biomarker data package supporting its NMDA receptor modulator portfolio and advance foundational mechanism insights behind its synaptic function-enhancing molecules.
The expanded research facility supports parallel clinical development of the ‘stinel’ class, including lead oral program zelquistinel in Phase II for major depressive disorder (MDD).
Gate aims to bring precision medicine to mood disorders through better understanding of dosing dynamics and patient enrichment in clinical trials. Initial data from this research will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology (ASCP) annual meeting in May 2023.
The research team will be led by Dr Jeff Burgdorf, a leader in mood disorder and NMDAR pharmacology, advised by Dr Joseph Moskal and biopharma executive Dr John Donello.
“Over the past 30 years, we have pioneered the science behind a new class of pharmacology that enhances synaptic function through NMDA receptor modulation,” said Dr Moskal. “We believe the ‘stinel class has transformative potential to impact psychiatric disease. Our renewed research offers an exciting opportunity to further unlock the foundational science behind these molecules, and position them for near-term clinical success and long-term impact on patients.”
Topline readout from the apimostinel biomarker study is expected mid-2023.
“Since we acquired these compounds from AbbVie, Gate’s focus has been on continuing to build and validate the data package and dose model underlying this class of NMDAR molecules,” commented Mike McCully, CEO of Gate Neurosciences. “Single doses of the ‘stinels have long-lasting effects on synaptic function, which means it is critical to understand repeat dosing dynamics to optimize the pharmacodynamic effect.”
