RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. Announces NIH/NINDS Grant Award and Amended and Restated Patent License Agreement

Core Insights - RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. has received a grant of $1,499,869 from the NIH/NINDS to support the development of its lead GABAkine, KRM-II-81, for the treatment of epilepsy [2][17] - The company has entered into an Amended and Restated Patent License Agreement with the University of Wisconsin Research Foundation to enhance its neuromodulator programs [3][6] Grant Details - The NIH/NINDS grant is awarded under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, covering the budget period from September 23, 2025, to August 31, 2026, with a total requested amount of $2,999,738 over two years [2][17] - The project aims to complete preclinical toxicology studies to support the filing of an investigational new drug application (IND) for KRM-II-81 [2][17] Patent License Agreement - The Amended and Restated Patent License Agreement includes updates on regulatory milestone payments, royalty structures, and patent cost reimbursements [6][7] - The agreement eliminates prior equity provisions in favor of a fixed exit fee tied to liquidity events, streamlining diligence and reporting obligations [6][7] Product Development - KRM-II-81 has shown significant anti-seizure activity across 34 preclinical models, with no development of pharmaco-resistance or tolerance [4][14] - The compound has also demonstrated analgesic properties comparable to commonly used analgesics without the side effects associated with opioids [5][16] Company Overview - RespireRx Group focuses on developing treatments for psychiatric and neurological disorders, including epilepsy, pain, ADHD, and obstructive sleep apnea [8][9] - The company holds exclusive licenses and patents for various chemical compounds aimed at treating a range of disorders [9] Future Directions - EndeavourRx LLC will continue to focus on the development of KRM-II-81 and other GABAkines for neurological and psychiatric disorders [3][13] - The company is also advancing its AMPAkines programs, which have shown promise in treating CNS-driven neurobehavioral and cognitive disorders [10][12]