Bright Minds Biosciences announced positive preclinical findings for BMB-101, its novel 5-HT2C receptor agonist, demonstrating complete elimination of drop attacks in the DBA/2 mouse model of epilepsy. The results highlight the compound's potential to address sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), a critical unmet medical need in drug-resistant epilepsy patients.
Complete Seizure Control in Validated SUDEP Model
BMB-101 achieved 100% survival in the DBA/2 mouse model, which is highly predictive of SUDEP outcomes in humans. The compound demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy, completely eliminating drop seizures while reversing brainstem serotonin deficits and preventing seizure-induced respiratory arrest.
"DBA/2 is an excellent model for understanding the effect of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) on the etiology of seizures," stated Jan Torleif Pedersen, PhD, MSc, Director and Chief Science Officer of Bright Minds Biosciences. "BMB-101 demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy in the DBA/2 mouse model of epilepsy, and drop seizures were completely eliminated."
The DBA/2 mouse model utilizes an inbred strain where young mice are susceptible to audiogenic seizures, recapitulating key epileptic phenomena including tonic/clonic seizures, drop attacks, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.
Addressing Critical SUDEP Prevention Gap
SUDEP represents the leading cause of seizure-related premature death, particularly affecting patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. The mortality risk is especially pronounced in Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE) patients, with individuals diagnosed with Dravet syndrome facing a 15-20% risk of premature death, with half or more cases attributed to SUDEP.
Pedersen emphasized the clinical significance: "SUDEP is the leading cause of seizure-related premature death, particularly in drug-resistant epilepsy patients, and we are extremely pleased to advance our investigative work and build on this preclinical validation."
Novel Mechanism of Action
BMB-101 represents a novel scaffold 5-HT2C Gq-protein biased agonist developed using structure-based drug design. The compound was specifically engineered for chronic treatment of neurological disorders where tolerance and drug resistance commonly occur.
The drug's biased agonism at the 5-HT2C receptor provides functional selectivity within a well-validated target. BMB-101 works exclusively via the Gq-protein signaling pathway while avoiding beta-arrestin activation, which is crucial for minimizing receptor desensitization and tolerance development.
Clinical Development Progress
Previous Phase 1 clinical studies evaluated BMB-101 in 64 healthy volunteers across Single Ascending Dose (SAD), Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD), and food-effects studies. The compound demonstrated safety and tolerability at all tested doses, with no Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) observed and only mild Adverse Events (AEs) consistent with on-target serotonergic effects.
Target engagement studies using fluid biomarkers (transient prolactin release) and physical biomarkers (Quantitative Electroencephalogram, qEEG) confirmed robust central nervous system activity. The qEEG signature showed selective depression of EEG power at frequencies observed during epileptic seizures, along with potentiation of frontal gamma-power suggesting potential cognitive benefits.
Broader Pipeline Applications
In addition to SUDEP prevention, BMB-101 has demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models of Dravet Syndrome and numerous generalized seizure models. Bright Minds has developed a platform of highly selective serotonergic agonists with selectivity across different serotonergic receptors, creating a portfolio of novel chemical entities for neurological and psychiatric applications.
The company focuses on developing treatments for patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders, including drug-resistant epilepsy, depression, and other central nervous system conditions with high unmet medical need.
