Relmada Therapeutics Acquires Promising Tourette's Asset from Asarina Pharma

Relmada Therapeutics, a biotech company struggling after recent setbacks in major depressive disorder (MDD) trials, has acquired a promising mid-stage Tourette syndrome candidate from Swedish biotech Asarina Pharma. The acquisition marks a significant shift in Relmada's pipeline strategy and offers new hope for patients with Tourette syndrome.

Acquisition Details and Asset Overview

Relmada has agreed to pay 3 million euros ($3.1 million) for the full global rights to sepranolone, a phase 2b-ready neurosteroid developed by Asarina Pharma. The deal includes a 2.75 million euro upfront payment, with a $250,000 credit from a previous exclusivity agreement.

Sepranolone is being developed for Tourette syndrome and other compulsion-related conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. The compound showed promise in a phase 2a study, demonstrating a 28% reduction in tic severity at 12 weeks, compared to a 12.6% reduction in patients receiving standard of care, as measured by the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale.

Clinical Promise and Expert Commentary

Dr. Luca Pani, a professor of clinical psychiatry at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine and chief advisor for Relmada, highlighted the potential of sepranolone, stating, "While current treatments for Tourette syndrome provide only modest tic reduction and are often accompanied by significant side effects, the phase 2a data suggest that sepranolone has the potential to offer meaningful symptom relief with a more favorable safety profile."

The phase 2a study not only met its primary endpoint but also achieved key secondary endpoints, including improved quality of life for patients. Importantly, no systemic side effects were observed during the trial, potentially offering a significant advantage over existing treatments.

Strategic Implications for Relmada and Asarina

This acquisition comes at a critical juncture for both companies. Relmada began exploring strategic options in late 2023 after scrapping two phase 3 trials in MDD due to likely failure to meet primary endpoints. The company is now considering a range of options, including mergers, asset transactions, or potentially selling the entire company.

For Asarina Pharma, the sale of sepranolone represents a final chapter in its corporate story. After failing to secure a partner or buyer for over a year, Asarina initiated liquidation proceedings in August 2024 and delisted from the Nasdaq Stockholm in October.

Relmada plans to provide more details on its development strategy for sepranolone at an investor event later this year, while continuing to explore other strategic opportunities to reshape its pipeline and corporate direction.