Relmada Therapeutics Acquires Potential Therapy for Tourette Syndrome from Asarina Pharma AB

Core Insights - Relmada Therapeutics has acquired Sepranolone, a Phase 2b ready neurosteroid, from Asarina Pharma AB for EUR 3 million, aimed at treating Tourette syndrome (TS) and other compulsive disorders [1][7] - Sepranolone has shown promising Phase 2a results, indicating significant improvements in TS symptoms and quality of life, with a favorable safety profile [2][4][5] Company Overview - Relmada Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for central nervous system (CNS) and metabolic disorders [13] - The company aims to enhance shareholder value by identifying and developing novel compounds [2] Product Details - Sepranolone is a first-in-class GABAA Modulating Steroid Antagonist (GAMSA) that selectively targets the GABAA pathway, potentially alleviating the negative effects of Allopregnanolone in TS and other compulsive disorders [3][9] - The Phase 2a study demonstrated a 28% reduction in tic severity as measured by the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) [5] - Sepranolone achieved a 69% greater increase in quality of life and a 50% greater reduction in impairment compared to standard care [5] Clinical Data - The Phase 2a study involved 26 subjects treated with Sepranolone (10 mg, administered subcutaneously twice weekly) alongside standard care, showing no CNS off-target effects [4][6] - Sepranolone has been evaluated in multiple clinical studies involving over 335 participants, demonstrating a favorable safety profile [8] Market Context - Tourette syndrome affects over 350,000 children in the U.S., with existing treatments often limited by significant side effects [11] - Current therapies primarily target dopamine and other neurotransmitters, while Sepranolone's modulation of Allopregnanolone offers a novel treatment approach [12]