5-HT2A receptor x 5-HT2 receptor

iStock, Wasan Tita Under the deal, the Danish pharma will gain access to Longboard’s 5-HT2C receptor superagonist that is currently in late-stage development for seizures in various developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, including Dravet syndrome. Lundbeck is acquiring neurology and rare diseases specialist Longboard Pharmaceuticals for an equity value of $2.6 billion, the companies announced on Monday. Under the terms of the acquisition, Lundbeck will buy all outstanding shares of the California biopharma’s common stock for $60 per share in cash. On a net cash and fully diluted basis, the transaction has an estimated value of $2.5 billon. The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the deal. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year, given that at least a majority of Longboard’s total outstanding voting shares are tendered, according to Monday’s announcement. The completion of the transaction is also contingent on regulatory clearances and other customary conditions. Lundbeck CEO Charl van Zyl in a statement called the acquisition “transformative,” noting that it will “become a cornerstone in Lundbeck’s neuro-rare franchise, with a potential to drive growth into the next decade.” The centerpiece of the acquisition is Longboard’s lead asset bexicaserin, an orally available and centrally acting superagonist of the 5-HT2C receptor. According to Longboard’s website , bexicaserin is designed to suppress the hyperexcitability that underpins seizures. It has high specificity and selectivity for the 5-HT2C receptor subtype—while having no detected activity against the 5-HT2B and 5-HT2A receptors—which could potentially limit the known safety signals of other 5-HT2-targeting drugs. Truist Securities analyst Joon Lee in a note to investors said that the deal came earlier than expected and undervalues bexicaserin. “We think the outcome is a good one for shareholders, although we feel that some value may have been left on the table,” Lee wrote, noting that “Lundbeck believes bexi can generate $1.5-2BN in peak sales.” Lundbeck expects to launch bexicaserin in the fourth quarter of 2028. The pharma anticipates that the drug will become a “cornerstone” of its neuro-rare disease portfolio. Bexicaserin is being developed for seizures associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE), such as Dravet syndrome and tuberculosis sclerosis complex. Last month, the biotech kicked off the Phase III DEEp SEA study in Dravet syndrome, which will evaluate the safety and efficacy of bexicaserin in approximately 160 patients aged two to 65 years. The candidate previously received the FDA’S Breakthrough Therapy designation for DEE seizures. Lee said that the Longboard acquisition underscores the industry’s growing interest in DEEs and rare epilepsies, in general, and will have “positive derivative read-throughs” for companies such as Jazz, Marinus and Praxis—all of which have drugs approved or in development for DEE. “Bexicaserin addresses a critical unmet need for patients suffering from rare and severe epilepsies, for which there are very few good treatment options available,” van Zyl said. In addition to bexicaserin, the acquisition will give Lundbeck access to an early-stage asset, dubbed LP659, which is being assessed for multiple neurological diseases. The candidate is a centrally acting modulator of the S1P receptor subtypes 1 and 5, which could give it therapeutic potential for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and lupus.

SAN DIEGO, June 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Longboard Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: LBPH), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel, transformative medicines for neurological diseases, today announced that members of its leadership team will participate in five upcoming events being hosted by respected epilepsy-focused patient advocacy groups. "We are pleased to be included in these key epilepsy conferences this summer. The opportunity to understand the perspectives of the community, from patients and families, to advocacy leaders and to healthcare providers, is invaluable as we advance our promising pipeline," stated Dr. Randall Kaye, Longboard’s Chief Medical Officer. "We also look forward to sharing more information on our ongoing Phase 1b/2a PACIFIC Study in people living with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, and our plans for the future development of LP352 for the potential treatment of seizures associated with a broad range of rare and refractory epilepsies." As part of our continuing commitment to support and partner with the epilepsy community, Longboard will sponsor and participate actively in these upcoming meetings*: Epilepsy Foundation Pipeline Conference, June 5-6, 2022, in Santa Clara, CA + Hybrid (presenting)Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Foundation® (LGSF) 8th International Family & Professional Conference, June 17-19, 2022, in Grapevine, TX (presenting)Dravet Syndrome Foundation (DSF), in collaboration with Cook Children’s Medical Center, 5th Biennial Family & Professional Conference, June 23-25, 2022, in Fort Worth, TX (presenting)World Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) Conference, co-hosted by the TSC Alliance® and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex International (TSCi), July 28-31, 2022, in Dallas, TXFamilieSCN2A Foundation’s Summer Seminar, July 28-29, 2022, in Columbus, OH (participating on roundtable) *Participation is limited to registered guests of the conferences. About LP352LP352 is an oral, centrally acting, 5-HT2c superagonist in development for the potential treatment of seizures associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) such as Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), and other epileptic disorders. LP352 is designed to modulate GABA and, as a result, suppress the central hyperexcitability that is characteristic of seizures. LP352 has demonstrated negligible observed impact on 5-HT2b and 5-HT2a receptor subtypes in our preclinical studies to date. 5-HT2b and 5-HT2a receptor agonism have been associated with significant adverse side effects. LP352 has novel chemistry and attributes. It was designed to be more specific and selective for the 5-HT2c receptor subtype, giving it the potential to reduce seizures in patients with DEEs while overcoming the known or perceived safety limitations of available drugs in the 5-HT2 class. LP352 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1b/2a trial, the PACIFIC Study, in participants with DEEs. About DEEsDEEs refer to a group of severe heterogeneous epilepsies that are characterized by drug resistant seizures and significant developmental delay. Importantly, if seizure control can be improved, developmental delay may slow. Most DEEs begin early in life, often starting in infancy. Children can have frequent and severe seizures which may be of multiple types. Epileptic spasms, tonic or atonic seizures and myoclonic seizures, among other seizure types, can be seen. In many cases, seizures are life long, although in some instances they can abate with time with certain syndromes or specific causes. Learn more. About Longboard Pharmaceuticals Longboard Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel, transformative medicines for neurological diseases. Longboard is working to advance a portfolio of centrally acting product candidates designed to be highly selective for specific G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Longboard’s small molecule product candidates are based on more than 20 years of GPCR research. Longboard is evaluating LP352, an oral, centrally acting 5-hydroxytryptamine 2c (5-HT2c) receptor superagonist, with negligible observed impact on 5-HT2b and 5-HT2a receptor subtypes, in development for the potential treatment of seizures associated with a broad range of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Longboard is also evaluating LP659, a centrally acting, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor subtypes 1 and 5 modulator, in development for the potential treatment of multiple neurological diseases, and LP143, a centrally acting, full cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2) agonist, in development for the potential treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases and disorders. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “look forward”, “plans”, “potential”, “will” and “focused on”. Forward-looking statements include statements about Longboard’s participation in the upcoming conferences, the value to Longboard of such participation, Longboard’s clinical and preclinical programs, including enrollment, their potential, availability of additional information, plans, indications, efficacy and safety, ability to develop and deliver medicines, and focus. For such statements, Longboard claims the protection of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual events or results may differ materially from Longboard’s expectations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: Risks related to Pfizer’s acquisition of Arena; Longboard’s limited operating history, financial position and need for additional capital; Longboard will need additional managerial and financial resources to advance all of its programs, and you and others may not agree with the manner Longboard allocates its resources; risks related to the development and commercialization of Longboard’s product candidates; Longboard’s product candidates are in the early phase of a lengthy research and development process, the timing, manner and outcome of research, development and regulatory review is uncertain, and Longboard’s product candidates may not advance in research or development or be approved for marketing; enrolling participants in Longboard’s ongoing and intended clinical trials is competitive and challenging; the duration and severity of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, including but not limited to the impact on Longboard’s clinical trials and operations, the operations of Longboard’s suppliers, partners, collaborators, and licensees, and capital markets, which in each case remains uncertain; risks related to unexpected or unfavorable new data; nonclinical and clinical data is voluminous and detailed, and regulatory agencies may interpret or weigh the importance of data differently and reach different conclusions than Longboard or others, request additional information, have additional recommendations or change their guidance or requirements before or after approval; results of clinical trials and other studies are subject to different interpretations and may not be predictive of future results; topline data may not accurately reflect the complete results of a particular study or trial; risks related to relying on licenses or collaborative arrangements; other risks related to Longboard’s dependence on third parties; competition; product liability or other litigation or disagreements with others; government and third-party payor actions, including relating to reimbursement and pricing; risks related to regulatory compliance; and risks relate to Longboard’s and third parties’ intellectual property rights. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by Longboard’s forward-looking statements are disclosed in Longboard’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These forward-looking statements represent Longboard’s judgment as of the time of this release. Longboard disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as may be required under applicable law.