Core Insights - Ovid Therapeutics Inc. announced positive topline results from its Phase 1 study of OV329, a next-generation GABA-aminotransferase inhibitor aimed at treating drug-resistant epilepsies, demonstrating a favorable safety and tolerability profile [1][2][6] Trial Design - The Phase 1 trial involved 68 healthy volunteers, with 51 receiving active treatment and 17 receiving placebo, testing doses from 1 mg to 5 mg [3] - Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic activities were assessed, including rigorous ophthalmic evaluations and extensive exploratory biomarker analyses [3][4] Biomarker and Efficacy Results - OV329 showed significant GABAergic inhibition, with a 53% increase in inhibition at the 5 mg dose as measured on the abductor pollicis brevis muscle [8] - The study confirmed OV329's ability to penetrate the brain and engage its target, achieving biological modulation consistent with elevated GABA levels [4][8] - After 7 days of dosing at 5 mg, mean GABA levels increased by 7.13% in the medial parietal lobe compared to 0.24% in placebo [8] Safety and Tolerability - The safety profile of OV329 was favorable, with all treatment-related adverse events reported as mild and transient, and no evidence of ophthalmic or retinal changes observed [6][9] - Extensive ophthalmic tests showed no adverse effects, contrasting with existing treatments like vigabatrin, which can accumulate in the retina [6] Future Development Plans - Ovid plans to advance OV329 into a Phase 2a study for drug-resistant focal onset seizures, expected to start in Q2 2026 [10] - The company is also progressing its KCC2 direct activator portfolio, with several regulatory and clinical milestones anticipated in the next 12 months [10][11]

Core Insights - Ovid Therapeutics is at a pivotal moment with its pipeline advancing into the next stage of clinical development, particularly focusing on OV329 for treatment-resistant epilepsies and KCC2 activators [2][3] - The company has strengthened its leadership team with key appointments to enhance its regulatory and investor strategies [5][6] Business Strategy & Updates - Ovid anticipates its cash runway will support operations and clinical development into the second half of 2026, with several key milestones expected, including results for OV329 biomarker and safety data in Q3 2025 and initiation of a Phase 2a study in Q1 2026 [3][4] - The company is committed to fiscal discipline in managing clinical development programs and exploring partnerships to accelerate development and offset costs [4] Organizational Updates - Key appointments include Stelios Papadopoulos to the Board of Directors and Manal Morsy and Victoria Fort to the management team, aimed at supporting the company's pipeline and business strategies [5][6][7] - The Phase 1 study of OV329 is expected to yield topline results in Q3 2025, focusing on biomarkers that measure clinical effect and safety [5] Pipeline Strategy & Updates - Ovid is developing a differentiated pipeline targeting neurological and psychiatric disorders, including OV329 as a next-generation GABA-AT inhibitor for drug-resistant epilepsies [8][10] - The company is advancing its KCC2 direct activator library, with OV350 already in a first-in-human study and OV4071 expected to enter human trials in Q2 2026 [14] Financial Results - As of December 31, 2024, Ovid reported cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $53.1 million, expected to support operations into the second half of 2026 [15][21] - The company reported a net loss of $26.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, an improvement from a net loss of $52.3 million in 2023 [16][20]