5-HT2C receptor

NEW YORK AND VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bright Minds Biosciences Inc. (Bright Minds or the Company) (NASDAQ: DRUG), a biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, today announced that it is once again collaborating with Firefly Neuroscience, Inc. (Firefly) (NASDAQ: AIFF), an Artificial Intelligence (AI) company developing innovative solutions that improve brain health outcomes for patients with neurological and mental disorders, to provide a full analysis of the electroencephalogram (EEG) data in the Company’s BREAKTHROUGH study, an open-label Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of BMB-101, a highly selective 5-HT 2C receptor agonist, in adult patients with classic Absence Epilepsy and Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE). Bright Minds and Firefly have previously collaborated successfully to analyze the data of the Company’s first-in-human Phase 1 study of BMB-101 using Firefly’s advanced artificial intelligence, FDA-cleared BNA™ technology platform. The BREAKTHROUGH study is designed as a basket clinical trial that will include patients diagnosed with either Absence Epilepsy (with or without Eyelid Myoclonia) or DEE. This group of disorders consists of a range of rare epilepsy disorders, including Epilepsy with Eyelid Myoclonia (known as Jeavons Syndrome). These conditions are characterized by refractory seizures that are often resistant to current treatments. The BREAKTHROUGH study is targeting enrollment of 20 adult participants aged from 18 to 65 years old. “After successful use of the BNA platform to analyze the data from our Phase 1 study, we look forward to once again collaborating with the Firefly team at the conclusion of our Phase 2 program for our lead compound, BMB-101, to provide valuable insights into the EEG recordings during the study,” said Ian McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of Bright Minds Biosciences. “We believe BMB-101 has the potential to be a best-in-class 5-HT 2C agonist. This compound is not only poised to make a significant impact in both the DEE and Absence Epilepsy communities, but also has broad applicability across the 30% of all epilepsy patients who experience drug resistance.” About BMB-101 BMB-101 is a novel scaffold 5-HT 2C Gq-protein biased agonist developed using structure-based drug design. It was explicitly designed for chronic treatment of neurological disorders where tolerance and drug resistance are common issues. Biased agonism at the 5-HT 2C receptor is one of its key features and adds another layer of functional selectivity within a well-validated target. BMB-101 works exclusively via the Gq-protein signaling pathway and avoids beta-arrest in activation, which is crucial to minimize the risk of receptor desensitization and tolerance development. This provides a novel mechanism, anti-epileptic drug designed to provide sustained seizure relief in hard-to-treat patient populations. In preclinical studies, BMB-101 has demonstrated efficacy in animal models of Dravet Syndrome and numerous models of generalized seizures. In Phase 1 clinical studies, BMB-101 was given to 64 healthy volunteers in a Single Ascending Dose (SAD), Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD) and food-effects study. BMB-101 was demonstrated to be safe and well tolerated at all doses. No Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) were observed, and Adverse Events (AEs) were mild in nature and in line with on-target effects for serotonergic drugs. An extensive target-engagement study was conducted using both fluid biomarkers (transient prolactin release) and physical biomarkers (Quantitative Electroencephalogram, qEEG). Both methods confirmed robust central target engagement. A qEEG signature typical for anti-epileptic drugs was observed, with a selective depression of EEG power at frequencies observed during epileptic seizures. Furthermore, a potentiation of frontal gamma-power was observed in this study which could indicate the potential for improved cognition. About Bright Minds Biosciences Bright Minds Biosciences is a biotechnology company developing innovative treatments for patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Our pipeline includes novel compounds targeting key receptors in the brain to address conditions with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy, depression, and other CNS disorders. Bright Minds is focused on delivering breakthrough therapies that can transform patients’ lives. Bright Minds Biosciences has developed a unique platform of highly selective serotonergic agonists exhibiting selectivity at different serotonergic receptors. This has provided a rich portfolio of NCE programs within neurology and psychiatry. About Firefly Firefly (NASDAQ: AIFF) is an Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) company developing innovative solutions that improve brain health outcomes for patients with neurological and mental disorders. Firefly’s FDA-510(k) cleared Brain Network Analytics (BNA™) technology revolutionizes diagnostic and treatment monitoring methods for conditions such as depression, dementia, anxiety disorders, concussions, and ADHD. Over the past 15 years, Firefly has built a comprehensive database of brain wave tests, securing patent protection, and achieving FDA clearance. The Company is now launching BNA™ commercially, targeting pharmaceutical companies engaged in drug research and clinical trials, as well as medical practitioners for clinical use. Brain Network Analytics was developed using artificial intelligence and machine learning on Firefly’s extensive proprietary database of standardized, high-definition longitudinal electroencephalograms (EEGs) of over 17,000 patients representing twelve disorders, as well as clinically normal patients. BNA™, in conjunction with an FDA-cleared EEG system, can provide clinicians with comprehensive insights into brain function. These insights can enhance a clinician’s ability to accurately diagnose mental and cognitive disorders and to evaluate what therapy and/or drug is best suited to optimize a patient’s outcome. Please visit for more information. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains “forward-looking information”. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release include design, progress, and completion of the BREAKTHROUGH Study, future clinical development of BMB-101, and future intended use or therapeutic benefit of BMB-101 to treat refractory epilepsy disorders. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release. These factors include the company’s financial position and operational runway, regulatory risk to operating in the pharmaceutical industry, and inaccuracies related to the assumption made by management relating to general availability of resources required to operate the studies noted in this news release. Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company’s public filings under the Company’s SEDAR+ pro Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances, management’s estimates or opinions should change, except as required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Contact Information Alex Vasilkevich Chief Operating Officer Bright Minds Biosciences Inc. Phone: (414)7316422 Email: alex@brightmindsbio.com Website: Investor Relations Lisa M. Wilson T: 212-452-2793 E: lwilson@insitecony.com

Lundbeck and Longboard Pharmaceuticals have announced an agreement for the Danish pharmaceutical company to acquire all outstanding shares of Longboard, in a transaction valued at $2.6 billion in equity value. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year. The deal will give Lundbeck ownership over Longboard’s pipeline of drug candidates for neurological and rare diseases. The lead asset, bexicaserin, is in late-stage development for the treatment of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), a group of severe epilepsies with onset in early childhood that affect over 220,000 people in the US alone. “This transformative transaction will become a cornerstone in Lundbeck’s neuro-rare franchise, with a potential to drive growth into the next decade. Bexicaserin addresses a critical unmet need for patients suffering from rare and severe epilepsies, for which there are very few good treatment options available," said Charl van Zyl, President and CEO of Lundbeck. The acquisition of Longboard will expand Lundbeck’s drug development pipeline, which focuses exclusively on therapeutic products for brain diseases, ranging from migraines to Parkinson’s. In particular, Longboard’s small molecule drug candidates are designed to selectively target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the most successful class of druggable targets in the human genome. In September this year, Longboard initiated a phase 3 clinical trial evaluating its lead asset, bexicaserin, for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome. googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.display('text-ad1'); }); Cleveland Clinic describes Dravet syndrome as a rare type of epilepsy. Seizures usually start in the first year of a child’s life. In addition to frequent and varied seizures, children will experience lags in mental and physical development, with the possibility of many other symptoms. Medications help reduce the number and severity of symptoms. Bexicaserin is an oral drug candidate with a next-generation super-agonist mechanism that targets 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 2C receptors, a type of serotonin receptors that are linked to epilepsy. The drug candidate has a differentiated mechanism of action that targets 5-HT 2C ​ specifically, without impacting other 5-HT receptor subtypes such as 5-HT 2A ​ and 5-HT 2B ​. In preclinical and clinical studies, Bexicaserin has shown anti-seizure effects, with a best-in-class profile in Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and other DEEs. The drug has blockbuster potential in this area of high unmet need, with global peak sales expected to be as high as $2 billion. “Longboard was founded to transform the lives of people living with devastating neurological conditions,” stated Kevin R. Lind, President and Chief Executive Officer of Longboard. “Lundbeck’s remarkable capabilities will accelerate our vision to provide increased equity and access for underserved DEE patients with significant unmet medical needs.”

BMB-201 demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy in pain modelsBMB-201 demonstrated similar efficacy to morphine in several pain models NEW YORK, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bright Minds Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ: DRUG), a pioneering company focused on developing highly selective 5-HT2 agonists for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy, depression, and other CNS disorders, is excited to announce positive data from the preclinical testing of BMB-201 completed with National Institute of Health pain screening (PSPP) program. Preclinical pain models included plantar incision and L5/L6 nerve ligation rat models, where the drug candidate was tested along with morphine and gabapentin as positive controls. Key Highlights from the Study: In nerve ligation pain models, BMB-201 had similar efficacy to morphine, demonstrating superior reductions in mechanical allodynia and pain-related behaviors. Female rodents experienced a marked improvement in both pain relief and guarding behavior, with higher doses producing a significant therapeutic effect. BMB-201’s efficacy suggests that it may provide better pain relief than traditional opioid treatments, without the associated risks of dependency and side effects. “These findings are a significant step forward in our mission to develop safer and more effective treatments for chronic pain,” said Jan Torleif Pedersen, Chief Scientific Officer of Bright Minds. “The fact that BMB-201 outperforms morphine in preclinical models is a testament to the potential of serotonergic therapies in pain management.” Next Steps: With these promising preclinical results, Bright Minds plans to advance BMB-201 into clinical trials to further evaluate its safety and efficacy in human subjects. The company aims to position BMB-201 as a non-opioid alternative for neuropathic pain relief, addressing a significant unmet need in the pain management landscape. BMB-201 constitutes a novel MoA for the modulation of pain perception. This data has been presented at Society for Neuroscience’s annual meeting at the NIH Satellite Forum. The poster is available on www.brightmindsbio.com. About BMB-201 BMB-201, a selective 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist, was designed to harness the analgesic potential of serotonin modulation without the hallucinogenic effects commonly associated with 5-HT2A activation. As a prodrug of BMB-A39a, it exhibits minimal activity at the 5-HT2B receptor, ensuring a reduced risk of side effects. About Bright Minds BiosciencesBright Minds Biosciences is a biotechnology company developing innovative treatments for patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Our pipeline includes novel compounds targeting key receptors in the brain to address conditions with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy, depression, and other CNS disorders. Bright Minds is focused on delivering breakthrough therapies that can transform patients' lives. Bright Minds Biosciences has developed a unique platform of highly selective serotonergic agonists exhibiting selectivity at different serotonergic receptors. This has provided a rich portfolio of NCE programs within neurology and psychiatry. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains “forward-looking information”. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release include design, progress, and completion of the BREAKTHROUGH Study, future clinical development of BMB-101, and future intended use or therapeutic benefit of BMB-101 to treat refractory epilepsy disorders. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release. These factors include the company’s financial position and operational runway, regulatory risk to operating in the pharmaceutical industry, and inaccuracies related to the assumption made by management relating to general availability of resources required to operate the studies noted in this news release. Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company’s public filings under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances, management’s estimates or opinions should change, except as required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Contact Information Alex VasilkevichChief Operating OfficerBright Minds Biosciences Inc. Phone: (414)7316422Email: alex@brightmindsbio.com Website: www.brightmindsbio.com