Seyltx Expands Chronic Cough Pipeline with GluN2B Antagonist Portfolio Option

Seyltx, a biotech company focused on developing treatments for chronic cough, has secured an option to license a portfolio of eight GluN2B antagonists from NeurOp. This strategic move aims to bolster Seyltx's pipeline and potentially accelerate the development of novel therapies for chronic cough and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Promising Candidates and Completed Phase 1 Trial

The portfolio includes eight negative allosteric modulators of GluN2B, a subunit of the NMDA receptor that has been identified as a primary target for cough suppression in preclinical studies. Notably, one of the candidates in the portfolio has already completed a phase 1 trial, potentially expediting the development process.

Dr. Dietrich Stephan, CEO of Seyltx, expressed enthusiasm about the agreement, stating, "We are incredibly excited about this option agreement with NeurOp, which significantly strengthens our pipeline for chronic cough therapies." He emphasized the potential of these compounds to provide "superior treatment options" for patients by "addressing the condition with a centrally acting non-narcotic solution."

Synergistic Expertise and Development Strategy

The collaboration between Seyltx and NeurOp combines Seyltx's expertise in chronic cough therapeutic development with NeurOp's proficiency in NMDA receptor biology. This synergy is expected to drive the development of more effective and targeted treatments for chronic cough.

Seyltx is already working on an NMDA receptor inhibitor of GluN2B, ifenprodil, which demonstrated significant cough reduction in a phase 2 study in 2022. The addition of NeurOp's portfolio complements and expands Seyltx's existing research efforts in this area.

Dr. James McNamara, Executive Chairman of NeurOp, highlighted the sophistication of their team's expertise in NMDA receptor biology and the development of GluN2B antagonists. He expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, "Seyltx's deep understanding and focus on chronic cough make them an ideal partner to further develop and bring these important compounds to patients in need."

Targeted Approach to Cough Suppression

The companies are banking on the targeted approach of GluN2B antagonism to achieve robust cough suppression while avoiding the adverse event profile observed with non-specific NMDA antagonists. This strategy builds upon the known efficacy of NMDA receptor antagonists in cough suppression, as exemplified by the widely used cough suppressant dextromethorphan.

Seyltx and NeurOp anticipate that focusing on the GluN2B subunit will lead to more effective and better-tolerated treatments for chronic cough and related conditions. The option agreement is expected to be converted into a worldwide license agreement for the eight assets within 12 months, although financial details of the potential licensing agreement were not disclosed.