FundaMental Pharma develops first-in-class NMDAR/TRPM4 interface inhibitors that selectively eliminate neurotoxic effects of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors while preserving synaptic receptor functions essential for neuronal survival and memory. This approach targets neurodegeneration, aiming to restore cognitive function and maintain overall brain health.
Funding
$13.8M 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
Neurodegenerative diseases lack effective treatments that can selectively target the harmful effects of overstimulated extrasynaptic NMDA receptors without disrupting the essential functions of synaptic NMDA receptors. Current therapeutic approaches often lead to significant side effects due to their broad impact on NMDA receptor activity. This results in limited efficacy and compromised neuronal survival and cognitive function.
Solution
FundaMental Pharma is developing a novel class of NMDAR/TRPM4 interface inhibitors designed to selectively block the neurotoxic effects of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors while preserving the physiological functions of synaptic NMDA receptors. By targeting the interface between NMDA receptors and TRPM4 channels, their approach aims to uncouple the neurotoxic signaling pathways activated by extrasynaptic NMDA receptors from the beneficial signaling pathways mediated by synaptic NMDA receptors. This selective inhibition is intended to halt neurodegeneration, restore cognitive function, and maintain overall brain health by preventing glutamate-induced excitotoxicity without compromising neuronal survival and memory processes. The company's therapeutic strategy focuses on modulating NMDA receptor activity at a more refined level, potentially leading to improved clinical outcomes and reduced side effects compared to existing treatments.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes individuals at risk of or affected by neurodegenerative diseases, as well as pharmaceutical companies and research institutions focused on developing innovative treatments for neurological disorders.
Features
- First-in-class NMDAR/TRPM4 (N/T) interface inhibitors
- Selective inhibition of extrasynaptic NMDAR-induced glutamate neurotoxicity
- Preservation of synaptic NMDAR effects on neuronal survival and memory
- Targeted uncoupling of physiological function from toxic effects of glutamate-gated NMDA receptors