Cerevance, a company focused on developing novel therapeutics for central nervous system (CNS) diseases, has secured an additional $47 million in its Series B-1 round extension. This funding aims to accelerate the advancement of its clinical pipeline, particularly the Phase 3 clinical trial for CVN424, a first-in-class non-dopamine therapy for Parkinson's disease.
Advancing Parkinson's Disease Treatment with CVN424
CVN424 represents a novel approach to treating Parkinson's disease by targeting non-dopaminergic pathways. The upcoming Phase 3 trial will evaluate its efficacy and safety in patients with Parkinson's, potentially offering a new treatment option for those who do not respond adequately to existing dopamine-based therapies. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions worldwide, characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. Current treatments primarily focus on managing symptoms by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, but these therapies can have limitations and side effects.
NETSseq Platform and Target Identification
Cerevance's proprietary NETSseq platform plays a crucial role in identifying novel treatment targets. This technology, combined with advanced machine learning, allows the company to discover previously unknown gene expression profiles in specific brain cells. With a collection of over 14,000 human brain tissue samples, Cerevance is able to generate a pipeline of next-generation CNS treatments.
Collaboration with Merck for Alzheimer's Disease
In 2024, Cerevance achieved a milestone in its research collaboration with Merck (MSD) to identify novel therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease. This achievement resulted in an undisclosed payment from Merck, highlighting the potential of Cerevance's approach to address this complex neurodegenerative disease. Alzheimer's disease is a major global health challenge, with a significant unmet need for effective disease-modifying therapies.
Expanding Pipeline for CNS Disorders
The funding will also support the advancement of a pipeline of novel treatments for other CNS disorders, including frontotemporal dementia. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of disorders caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the brain's frontal and temporal lobes. These areas are associated with personality, behavior and language. Cerevance is leveraging its NETSseq platform to identify new targets and develop therapies for this devastating condition.
