This company develops targeted small molecule therapeutics for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions by modulating pathways related to neuronal health. They utilize a human brain cell platform derived from induced pluripotent stem cells to identify and optimize candidate medicines focusing on neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and neuroinflammation. Their pipeline includes a selective GSK3$\beta$ inhibitor aimed at bipolar disorder and treatments for agitation in Alzheimer’s disease.
Funding
$120K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Current treatment options for neuropsychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases often lack efficacy or have significant side effects, highlighting the need for more targeted and safer therapeutics. Traditional drug discovery methods using animal models often fail to translate to effective treatments in humans due to physiological differences.
Solution
4M Therapeutics is developing targeted therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders by using a platform based on living human brain cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). This platform allows the company to identify and optimize drug candidates that modulate key pathways associated with neuronal health, such as neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and neuroinflammation. Their lead candidate, 4MT2001, is a potent and selective GSK3β inhibitor with the potential to be a safer and more effective alternative to lithium for bipolar disorder. The company's pipeline also includes potential treatments for agitation in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes patients with neuropsychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, as well as pharmaceutical companies seeking novel CNS therapeutics.
Features
- Utilizes living human brain cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to model disease states.
- Focuses on modulating key pathways including GSK3β, CRMP2, WNT, and glutamate, linked to neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal survival.
- Lead program, 4MT2001, is a potent and selective GSK3β inhibitor with improved potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic profile compared to ruboxistaurin.
- 4MT-01 series features highly potent and specific GSK3β inhibitors for treating agitation in Alzheimer’s disease.
- 4MT-04 series, a peptide inhibitor of the hyperactivated CDK5/p25 complex, aims to rescue learning and memory deficits in neurodegenerative diseases.