MapLight Therapeutics raises $372.5M to advance targeted therapies for brain disorders
MapLight Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company developing precision treatments for central nervous system (CNS) disorders, has raised $372.5 million in Series D funding to accelerate the development of its lead program and broader pipeline.
The company’s approach centers on identifying and targeting the specific neural circuits responsible for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions — a sharp contrast to the broad, less targeted mechanisms of traditional CNS drugs. Its lead candidate, ML-007C-MA, is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease psychosis. The therapy combines an M1/M4 muscarinic receptor agonist with a peripherally acting anticholinergic, designed to deliver effective activity in the brain while limiting peripheral side effects.
The fresh capital will be used to expand clinical studies of ML-007C-MA, explore its potential in additional indications, and further develop MapLight’s wider pipeline. The company is also advancing other circuit-specific therapies aimed at a range of treatment-resistant CNS disorders.
With this new round, MapLight has surpassed $600 million in total funding since its founding, cementing its position as one of the most promising startups at the forefront of neuroscience-driven drug development.
Source:
A.M.
