9th Annual Neuroscience Innovation Forum

FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, LICENSING & INVESTMENT

11th of January 2026|MARINES' MEMORIAL CLUB | SAN FRANCISCO | USA

20-MINUTE PRESENTERS:

Acelot, Inc.

South San Francisco, United States

Sun 11 Jan · 13:20 – 10:30

Acelot develops small molecules for challenging targets in diseases with high unmet need by harnessing cutting-edge computational tools to drug targets that lack complete structural information. Acelot’s first-in-class development candidate, ACE-2223, targets misfolded TDP-43 for the treatment of sporadic ALS. ACE-2223 disrupts misfolded TDP-43 and restores nuclear TDP-43 function and downstream protein splicing. ACE-2223 is well characterized in vitro and is the first orally bioavailable small molecule to show target engagement against misfolded TDP-43 and significant extension of survival in aggressive ALS animal models. ACE-2223 will begin first in human studies in spring 2026.

Cognition Therapeutics, Inc.

United States

Sun 11 Jan · 13:40 – 10:30

Cognition Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of innovative, small molecule therapeutics targeting age-related degenerative disorders of the central nervous system and retina. We recently completed Phase 2 studies of our lead candidate, zervimesine (CT1812) in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease, and geographic atrophy secondary to dry AMD. The Phase 2 START Study (NCT05531656) in early Alzheimer’s disease is ongoing. We believe zervimesine can regulate pathways that are impaired in these diseases through its interaction with the sigma-2 receptor, a mechanism that is functionally distinct from other approaches for the treatment of degenerative diseases.

Denovo Neuroscience

United States

Sun 11 Jan · 14:20 – 10:30

Denovo Neuroscience is revolutionizing psychiatric treatment by developing precision medicines for CNS diseases. It has four first-in-class CNS programs with the lead asset, liafensine, a biomarker guided antidepressant, in phase 3 development in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Denovo's other assets include DB103 (mGluR2/3 agonist) for schizophrenia, DB105 (a2C adrenoceptor antagonist) for Alzheimer's Disease, and DB109 (serotonin receptor antagonist) for Alzheimer's Disease.

Gain Therapeutics, Inc.

United States

Sun 11 Jan · 14:40 – 10:30

Gain Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company leading the discovery and development of next generation allosteric therapies. Gain’s lead drug candidate GT-02287 is being evaluated in the clinic for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Biotechnology

Galimedix Therapeutics, Inc.

Kensington, United States

Sun 11 Jan · 14:00 – 10:30

Galimedix is a Phase 2 clinical-stage private company developing novel oral and topical neuroprotective therapies for serious brain and retinal diseases.

Lead program, GAL-101 (eye drops), is in a Phase 2 trial for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA), a severe form of dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD). An oral formulation of GAL-101 has successfully completed Phase 1 testing and shown to be safe, well tolerated, and effectively crosses the blood-brain barrier. Target engagement could be shown. Phase 2 trials in Alzheimer’s (oral) and glaucoma (eye drops) are planned. A next-generation compound, GAL-301, is in pre-clinical testing.
Galimedix is looking for crossover financing to progress GAL-101 to clinical proof of concept in Alzheimer´s disease and to advance its earlier-stage programs ahead of a planned US IPO.

Galimedix has signed a licensing and equity deal with Théa Open Innovation for co-development and commercial rights to GAL-101 in ophthalmology, excluding APAC and is pursuing additional regional partnerships.

Recent highlights include the successful completion of the first-in-human study of the oral version of GAL-101, data presented at CTAD, and the ongoing Phase 2 eDREAM trial in GA, with LPI anticipated this year.

Merz Therapeutics GmbH

United States

Sun 11 Jan · 13:40 – 10:30

Merz Therapeutics is a global specialty neurology biopharma focused development and commercialization of movement disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, rare/orphan neurological disease and chronic pain. We actively seek clinical and commercial opportunities including for in-licensing and M&A.

Minoryx Therapeutics S.L.

MATARO, Spain

Sun 11 Jan · 14:20 – 10:30

Minoryx is a privately held late-stage single asset company located in Barcelona (Spain) that is developing leriglitazone, an oral small molecule, for rare CNS disorders. For its lead indication (cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy, cALD), a marketing authorization application has been filed in EU in July 2025, while in the US the company is conducting a phase 3. Additionally, the company is conducting a phase 2a study in Rett Syndrome.

Nucleus Network

St paul, United States

Sun 11 Jan · 15:00 – 10:30

Nucleus Network is the only dedicated early-phase clinical trial facility with sites in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. Offering a seamless path to First-in-Human and clinical pharmacology success across regions. We have been a leader in CNS research for over 30 years performing studies in healthy participants and across a number of psychiatry and neurology therapeutics areas. We have conducted more than 60 PET imaging studies, routinely perform CSF sampling, quantitative EEG and with capabilities for TMS. Our site in London has 8 room for PSG sleep studies and 2 room dedicated for psychedelic studies. Whether you’re running parallel studies or bridging from Australia to the US or the UK, our integrated model ensures consistency in data, operations, and regulatory compliance, from start-up to closeout. As the world leader in first-in-human studies, Nucleus starts up a new FIH for a CNS indication at least once a month.

Oryzon Genomics, S.A.

Spain

Sun 11 Jan · 10:35 – 10:30

A public clinical-stage biopharma company developing epigenetics for CNS disorders and oncology/hematology. c.50 highly-qualified professionals located in Barcelona, Boston and San Diego. Listed in Spain, aiming at NASDAQ-listing. Two uncorrelated clinical-stage compounds: vafidemstat (Phase III-ready, CNS) and iadademstat (Phase II, oncology/hematology). Pioneering development of epigenetic drugs in CNS with vafidemstat, a safe LSD1 inhibitor, administered to + 425 subjects. The drug has shown promising results in reducing agitation/aggression in psychiatric patients in a Phase IIa basket trial, and in a global randomized, double blind Phase IIb trial in BPD (PORTICO, final results presented at ECNP-2024). Phase III in agitation/aggression in borderline personality disorder (BPD) in preparation. Vafidemstat is also being investigated for treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia in a randomized, double-blind Phase IIb trial (ongoing trial expansion to additional EU countries). Preparing a new Phase II trial in aggression in patients with ASD, including genetically-defined ASD subpopulations such as Phelan McDermid Syndrome. Iadademstat, a best-in-class LSD1 inhibitor, is in clinical development for AML, solid tumors and hematological disorders. PoC with strong clinical activity in combo with azacitidine in a Phase II in unfit AML patients, and encouraging signals in 2L-ED-SCLC. Highly encouraging data presented at ASH-2025 from ongoing trials in 1L AML (in combo with venetoclax/azacitidine, 100% ORR, 90% CR) and in R/RFlt3mut+ AML (in combo with gilteritinib, 67% CCR at the dose under expansion). Additional trials ongoing in MDS (in combo with azacitidine),1L SCLC (in combo with ICI), and in MPN (in combo with ASTX727). Expanding into hematological indications: sickle cell disease (PhIb trial approved by EMA, recruiting), essential thrombocythemia (PhII in prep).

Reunion Neuroscience, Inc.

United States

Sun 11 Jan · 11:15 – 10:30

Reunion Neuroscience is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to revolutionizing the treatment of underserved mental health disorders through the advancement of next-generation psychedelic-inspired therapeutic solutions.

Reviva Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Cupertino, United States

Sun 11 Jan · 13:20 – 10:30

Reviva is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and seeks to commercialize next-generation therapeutics for diseases representing unmet medical needs and burdens to society, patients, and their families. Reviva’s current pipeline focuses on the central nervous system (CNS), inflammatory and cardiometabolic diseases. Reviva’s pipeline currently includes two drug candidates, brilaroxazine (RP5063) and RP1208. Both are new chemical entities discovered in-house. Reviva has been granted composition of matter patents for both brilaroxazine and RP1208 in the United States, Europe, and several other countries.

STALICLA SA

Switzerland

Sun 11 Jan · 10:55 – 10:30

STALICLA SA is a Swiss clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, revolutionizing the treatment of neurodevelopmental (NDD) and wider neuropsychiatric disorders. The company has developed a clinically validated neuro precision development platform, successfully delivering stratified patient subgroups and advancing tailored treatment options. Its lead NDD asset, STP1, and a second NDD asset are set to enter Phase 2 trials with expected readouts within 30 months. STP7 (Mavoglurant), is also being advanced for Phase 3 trials, fully funded by the US government with discussions underway for out-licensing. We are currently raising a series C of $60m to recite the Phase 2 precision autism program development.

Synendos Therapeutics AG

Switzerland

Sun 11 Jan · 11:35 – 10:30

Synendos is a clinical stage neuroscience company pioneering new treatments for neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders, including anxiety and PTSD. By restoring the brain's natural balance through targeted modulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), Synendos aims to unlock a new generation of therapies that address the underlying causes of these conditions. Our lead candidate, SYT-510, is the first in a new class of ECS modulators known as Selective Endocannabinoid Reuptake Inhibitors (SERIs). This innovative approach is designed to provide sustained therapeutic benefits and improved tolerability, thereby helping more patients maintain treatment and achieve better quality of life.

Biotechnology

Teitur Trophics ApS

Aarhus, Denmark

Sun 11 Jan · 15:00 – 10:30

Teitur Trophics: Advancing Neurodegeneration Treatments Teitur Trophics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing transformative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Frontotemporal Dementia. The company company is founded on pioneering research conducted at Aarhus University, where scientists uncovered a novel pathway that plays a critical role in maintaining neuronal survival and function. This pathway uniquely targets three key pillars of neurodegeneration: improving mitochondrial function, enhancing lysosomal function, and preserving synaptic integrity. By addressing these interconnected mechanisms, we aim to protect and restore the health of neurons, ultimately slowing or even halting disease progression. Our lead program, TT-P34, represents a groundbreaking advance in the field of neurodegeneration. TT-P34 is a first-in-class peptide therapy that has demonstrated potent efficacy in preclinical studies, including its ability to slow or halt disease progression in animal models of Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. Importantly, the compound is designed with patient convenience in mind, offering a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, reducing treatment burden and improving adherence. With a strong foundation of preclinical data supporting its safety and efficacy, TT-P34 is set to enter first-in-human studies in Q2 2025, where it will initially be tested in healthy volunteers. This milestone marks a significant step toward bringing a much-needed, disease-modifying therapy to patients suffering from devastating neurodegenerative disorders. At Teitur Trophics, we believe that innovation in science is the key to addressing the complex challenges of neurodegeneration. By focusing on a holistic approach to neuronal health and leveraging cutting-edge research, we are committed to developing therapies that not only extend life but also preserve its quality for patients and their families.

Tessara Therapeutics Pty Ltd.

Australia

Sun 11 Jan · 14:40 – 10:30

We bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical neuroscience by evaluating the performance of neurology therapeutic assets on the most clinically relevant in vitro platform available. Tessara leads the world with our RealBrain drug screening platform, combining reproducibility and scalability with human physiological relevance in 3D in vitro models. RealBrain models feature functional neural networks and closely mimic human neurophysiology. The RealBrain microtissues are cultured from neural precursor cells mixed with biomaterials in a one-step casting process that mitigates the typical limitations of in vitro technologies. Automation, developed through partnerships with robotics leaders, enables consistent, rapid production of microtissues with minimal variation. Furthermore, AI algorithms transform the neural architecture into digital 3D maps for automatic detection and quantification of neural network architecture. This allows precise assessment of drug effects on various cell populations and neural connectivity. Unique in its capability for high-throughput, high-content analysis, the RealBrain platform combines sophisticated biology with user-friendly handling, to accelerate drug discovery and predict which drug candidates are more likely to be efficacious in human clinical trials.

Tiziana Life Sciences

United Kingdom

Sun 11 Jan · 14:00 – 10:30

Tiziana Life Sciences is focused on our main novel asset, foralumab, a fully human, anti-CD3 which is showing to reduce microglia activation in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases through a simple nasal delivery device. Foralumab, a fully human anti-CD3 is delivered intranasally where it binds to the T-cell receptor complex in the cervical lymph node. This creates and activates Tregs. These Tregs then cross the blood brain barrier and regulate the innate immune system (microglia). In our Multiple Sclerosis expanded access program we have shown to reduce microglia activation in PET scans and then onwards to show clinical improvement and also shown in an AD mouse model published in the PNAS recently. Emerging evidence suggests that dysregulation of neuroinflammation, particularly that orchestrated by microglia, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Danger signals including dead neurons, dystrophic axons, phosphorylated tau, and amyloid plaques alter the functional phenotype of microglia from a homeostatic (M0) to a neurodegenerative or disease-associated phenotype, which in turn drives neuroinflammation and promotes disease. Thus, therapies that target microglia activation constitute a unique approach for treating AD.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.

United States

Sun 11 Jan · 11:55 – 10:30

Tonix is a fully integrated, commercial biopharmaceutical company focused on CNS and immunology.

10-MINUTE PRESENTERS:

AcuraStem

Pasadena, United States

Sun 11 Jan · 11:25 – 10:30

AcuraStem is a biotechnology company focused on developing disease-modifying treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Founded by pioneers in ALS disease modeling, the company leverages its proprietary iNeuroRx® platform to develop antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies that address the underlying pathology of neurodegeneration.

BrainScope Company Inc.

United States

Sun 11 Jan · 10:35 – 10:30

BrainScope is a neurotechnology company revolutionizing brain health diagnostics by applying AI to brain electrical activity (EEG) to enable faster, more accessible, and more cost-effective assessment of brain health. By combining computational neuroscience with a state-of-the-art AI platform, they are unlocking the potential of EEG in ways never imagined. BrainScope's platform has led to the development of objective, FDA-cleared biomarkers that enable rapid, radiation-free assessment of neurological conditions, offering an effective and scalable alternative to neuroimaging and symptoms-based assessments.

Enveric BioSciences, Inc.

United States

Sun 11 Jan · 10:55 – 10:30

Enveric Biosciences (NASDAQ: ENVB) is a biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation, small-molecule neuroplastogenic therapeutics that address unmet needs in psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Biotechnology

Evox Therapeutics Ltd.

Oxford, United Kingdom

Sun 11 Jan · 15:45 – 10:30

Evox Therapeutics is developing a differentiated pipeline of gene editing medicines addressing severe unmet medical need in genetically driven neurodegenerative diseases, including targeting MSH3 for Huntington's disease and ATXN2 for ALS. By leveraging a proprietary next-generation gene editing modality delivered in a natural non-viral delivery vehicle, we are able to knock out genetically validated disease-causing genes and thereby unlock the clinical and commercial opportunity for genome editing in the central nervous system. We have selected development candidates for our Huntington’s and ALS programs, completed NHP biodistribution studies showing excellent exposure to key brain regions, and obtained regulatory endorsement from the UK regulator the MHRA for our non-clinical, clinical and CMC strategy. Our HD and ALS programs are currently in CTA-enabling studies and with our proprietary manufacturing process currently in tech transfer to a CDMO we have clear line of sight to first-in-human in Huntington’s disease by 2027 with several key milestones along the way.

KeifeRx LLC

McLean, United States

Sun 11 Jan · 16:15 – 10:30

KeifeRx is a biopharma company building upon its extensive clinical experience in neurodegenerative diseases to advance kinase Inhibitors that attack neurodegenerative diseases at their root cause. Our lead asset is KFRX03, a best-in-class, small molecule kinase inhibitor for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease with superior brain penetration. KFRX03 selectively targets c-ABL and c-KIT to restore autophagy and attack the three pillars of neurodegenerative diseases; microglial-mediated neuroinflammation, toxic protein build up, and vascular damage to restore cognition in mice models of dementia. We are currently raising a $25M Series A to bring KFRX03 through a Phase 1a/1b clinical trial.

Kinoxis Therapeutics Pty Ltd

Camberwell, Australia

Sun 11 Jan · 11:15 – 10:30

Kinoxis Therapeutics Pty Ltd (Kinoxis) is a private, Australian-based, clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class therapeutics to address the escalating demand for safe and effective treatments for behavioural and psychological symptoms in neuropsychiatric disorders. Kinoxis’ lead candidate, KNX100, is being developed for the treatment of behavioural and psychological symptoms in neuropsychiatric disorders, including agitation and aggression in dementia, and several substance use disorders. KNX100 has a novel mechanism of action, interacting with disease relevant pharmacological, molecular, and neural targets, to modify the dysregulated brain systems linked with specific behavioural and psychological symptoms in neuropsychiatric disorders. The compound has an extensive pre-clinical data package consisting of multiple cross species animal efficacy models conducted across several independent research organisations. Kinoxis has completed a Phase 1 study conducted under a US IND and have demonstrated KNX100 to be safe and tolerable in healthy volunteers. Currently, KNX100 is being investigated in the CARES-X Phase 2 clinical trial, a multi-site study in Australia focused exploring its safety, tolerability, and efficacy as a treatment for agitation in dementia.

MedilaboRFP, Inc.

Cambridge, United States

Sun 11 Jan · 16:05 – 10:30

Medilabo is an IND-ready biotechnology company specializing in central nervous system therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Kyoto, with a US subsidiary in Cambridge, Medilabo is advancing its lead program, ML1707 Nasal Rifampicin, designed for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and FTLD-tau, backed by Orphan Drug Designation. Medilabo’s innovative approach centers on targeting neurotoxic, β-sheet-rich oligomers of tau, amyloid-β, and α-synuclein, which are strongly implicated in AD and related tauopathies. A defining feature of Medilabo’s development strategy is its biomarker-driven clinical program. The company’s dose selection and protocol are informed by clinical data from an oral rifampicin trial, which demonstrated a reduction of CSF tau and amyloid-β oligomers and neurofilament light chain (NfL) in pre-symptomatic AD patients. This unique marker strategy underpins both an accelerated regulatory pathway and strong translational relevance for early disease intervention. ML1707’s intranasal powder formulation achieves approximately 50% olfactory deposition, maximizing direct brain delivery and bypassing the liver—thereby providing superior safety over oral rifampicin by avoiding hepatic enzyme elevations. Medilabo has established clear regulatory alignment with both US FDA and Japan’s PMDA, with GLP toxicology studies complete and first-in-human trials scheduled for Q2 2026. In addition to ML1707, the pipeline includes ML1808 Nasal Rifampicin-Resveratrol (dual oligomer inhibition, synergistic efficacy, improved hepatic safety) and ML2404 Nasal Resveratrol (targeting multiple depression subtypes and expanding to neurodegeneration via BDNF induction). The company has secured $4.7M in early fundraising and holds four international patent families covering its formulations and methods. Medilabo is actively seeking investors and co-development partners for upcoming global Phase 1/2 clinical programs to redefine the treatment landscape for neurodegenerative disorders.

Biotechnology

Mosaica Medicines, Inc.

Boston, United States

Sun 11 Jan · 10:45 – 10:30

Mosaica Medicines is developing a completely novel non-ion-channel mechanism for epilepsy, with disease modifying potential. The biological hypothesis is based on a large body of evidence showing the RAS/MAPK pathway is:
- A master regulator of CNS hyperexcitability and gene expression of ion channels
- Hyperactivated in the brain in the context of epilepsy/seizures
- Associated with epilepsy in human genetic contexts (both somatic and germline variants)

On the basis of this biology as well as clinical case reports showing dramatic seizure reductions with poorly-brain-penetrant MEK inhibitors (limited by systemic tolerability), Mosaica acquired a highly brain-penetrant MEK inhibitor which will be developed in two distinct epilepsy populations. The company has generated data in gold-standard epilepsy mouse models showing clear dose-dependent reduction of spontaneous seizures at ultra-low doses, which should provide a significant therapeutic window in the clinic.

The program is Phase 1 ready (open IND) and the company has put together a team with significant epilepsy experience to execute on the clinical program, including CMO Brad Galer (previously CMO at two epilepsy companies, Rapport Tx and Zogenix) as well as a SAB that includes the lead Phase 3 investigators of every epilepsy drug approved in the last decade. Doug Williams (former Head of R&D at Biogen) has also joined as independent BoD member. Lux Capital led the founding investment in the company and has invested the majority of the $9.3M capital raised to date. Mosaica is now raising an $80M Series A to fund the company through two Phase 2 PoC trials in epilepsy patients.

Neuro-Innovators, Inc.

Sewickley, United States

Sun 11 Jan · 11:55 – 10:30

Neuro-Innovators, Inc. (NIV) is a clinical-stage biotech developing a first-in-class, multi-mechanism approach to neurorecovery. Its lead program, NIV-001, is a proprietary combination of three repurposed FDA-approved drugs designed to enhance neuroplasticity and improve motor recovery in stroke survivors—an estimated $20B unmet need in the U.S. Stroke is also the only neurologic condition with an FDA-accepted objective functional endpoint (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Score, including objective motor metrics), providing a validated, quantitative efficacy measure that helps de-risk approval. Traditional neurotherapeutic development is often high-risk, high-cost, and slow, frequently targeting narrow mechanisms with limited efficacy. NIV’s polypharmacology strategy repurposes approved drugs via the FDA’s 505(b)(2) pathway, leveraging existing safety data to reduce time, cost, and development risk. NIV projects a potential approval timeline of ~5 years with total development cost as low as ~$40M, compared with ~10 years and ~$1B commonly required for new chemical entities. The three drugs in NIV-001 were selected for breadth of mechanism, relevance to chronic stroke, non-overlapping metabolic pathways, and brain availability. The Mass General Brigham IRB has approved NIV’s Phase 1/2a proof-of-concept study at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, expected to begin within weeks, with initial data anticipated before the end of Q2 2026. NIV is negotiating a diagnostics partnership to support trial blood-sample testing, enabling biomarker-to-function calibration and phenotyping to accelerate future development. NIV has filed multiple patents (owned outright) and plans to expand beyond stroke into indications such as TBI, ALS, and multiple sclerosis. NIV is raising $3M in seed financing in two $1.5M tranches to fund study execution, CDMO selection, diagnostics partnership, FDA pre-IND planning, and IP expansion, targeting acquisition or licensing potential within ~36 months.

Neuvasq Biotechnologies SA

Gosselies, Belgium

Sun 11 Jan · 12:15 – 10:30

Neuvasq Biotechnologies, a privately held biotech founded in 2021, is advancing first-in-class disease-modifying antibodies to restore and protect the integrity of neurovascular barriers for healthy brain and retinal function. Neuvasq is developing novel solutions against neurological diseases, including drug-refractory epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. The goal? Slowing, stopping, reversing and possibly preventing neurological decline or vision loss. The company is headquartered in Gosselies, Belgium.

Psilera Inc.

United States

Sun 11 Jan · 11:05 – 10:30

Psilera is a biopharmaceutical company developing groundbreaking therapeutics for hard-to-treat neurological conditions. Psilera’s diverse pipeline includes two partnered late stage programs with AtaiBeckley (BPL-003, 5-MeO-DMT phase III ready and VLS-01, DMT phase IIb) for treatment-resistant depression through an IP licensing transaction executed in early 2025. Furthermore, by utilizing their proprietary neuroplastogen drug design platform, Psilera has amassed a leading pipeline of next-generation neuroplastogens including PSIL-006, a first-in-class therapeutic for the treatment of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). With a deep commitment to scientific excellence and patient centricity, Psilera quests to provide treatment options to underserved patient populations throughout the globe. Welcome to the new era of mindful medicine.

Sinaptica Therapeutics, Inc.

United States

Sun 11 Jan · 11:45 – 10:30

Sinaptica has developed a new form of personalized weekly brain stimulation for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) that has been granted FDA breakthrough status based on unprecedented published sham-controlled Phase 2 data-- significantly slowing mild-to-moderate (M/M) AD on all functional and cognitive endpoints at 6 months, and on the primary and all key secondaries at 12 months in all three domains: cognition, function, and behavior, with virtually no side-effects. Sinaptica’s technology is a new powerful form of rTMS with personalization (via concurrent pairing with EEG), precision (via Neuronavigation) and a proprietary ML algorithm and treats AD by enhancing neuroplasticity via neuromodulation of the Default mode network (DMN), a novel brain network responsible for episodic memory and strongly implicated in AD. Sinaptica is emerging as a leader in personalized precision brain stimulation with a connectomics-based platform that can address multiple brain disease states, starting with Alzheimer's and MCI.

Specific Biologics Inc.

Toronto, Canada

Sun 11 Jan · 15:55 – 10:30

Specific Biologics Inc. is a venture-backed biotechnology company developing Dualase®, an industry-leading genome editing platform for precise, efficient, and programmable in vivo genome editing. It’s unique two-site mechanism enables the seamless removal, repair, or insertion of both small and large DNA sequences, offering broad therapeutic potential, coupled with single AAV or all-RNA delivery. Our initial therapeutic focus is on something only Dualase® genome editors can do - the precise collapse of pathogenic repeat expansions, leaving non-pathogenic numbers of repeats, using a single AAV delivered directly to the CNS in neurodegenerative disease (ALS, Huntington's, among others). As a platform, Dualase® editors achieve best-in-class accurate editing efficiency with undetectable off-target effects which has been demonstrated at third parties in preclinical cell and animal models at diverse targets and indications.

Stream Biomedical, Inc.

Houston, United States

Sun 11 Jan · 11:35 – 10:30

For millions living with brain injury, recovery hasn’t been possible - until now. Stream Biomedical is turning irreversible into recoverable with LG3, a first-in-class biologic therapy developed from a natural brain repair protein. LG3 amplifies the body’s natural pathway for cell survival, profoundly reducing neurovascular injury and preserving homeostasis to support neurorepair and meaningful improvements in motor and brain function. With powerful preclinical data demonstrating effective prevention and reversal of brain injuries and neurodegenerative conditions such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke - LG3 represents a paradigm-shifting therapy and an enormous market opportunity, with >$10B in potential market impact. LG3 exhibits pleiotropy - working on multiple cell types within the brain’s neurovascular unit, the critical meeting point of brain cells and blood vessels that enables neuronal function and cell homeostasis. Working through pro-survival integrin receptors, LG3 repairs the blood-brain barrier, protects and stabilizes brain cells, blocks inflammatory cascades, and activates and augments natural neurorepair. It readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and homes to the site of injury, working within minutes and staying active in the brain for 48 hours or more. Preclinical studies have demonstrated a remarkable reduction in hemorrhage and cell death, decreased inflammatory markers, and rapid improvements in motor and brain function. Immediate next steps for Stream include studying LG3 in the clinic. Stream plans to conduct Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials to initially characterize the safety (NHV) and efficacy (TBI) of LG3 by the end of 2027. These trials will provide a springboard for the expansion of this potentially revolutionary platform therapy into other significant indications including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, spinal cord injury, diabetic encephalopathy, and more. Stream is raising $15M in a series-A extended round to enable completion of these clinical trials, to be initiated Q2 2026 and completed Q4 2027.

Vandria SA

Switzerland

Sun 11 Jan · 12:05 – 10:30

Vandria is a clinical-stage biotech company based in Lausanne, Switzerland, developing first-in-class therapies targeting mitochondrial dysfunction to treat age-related diseases. Our lead compound, VNA‑318, is a brain-penetrant mitophagy inducer currently in Phase 1 clinical trials for neurodegenerative conditions. Backed by over $30 million in Series A funding and supported by European innovation grants, Vandria aims to restore cellular resilience and improve health span through mitochondrial science.

Vincere Biosciences Inc.

United States

Sun 11 Jan · 16:25 – 10:30

Vincere Biosciences develops small-molecule therapeutics to address significant unmet medical needs, including Parkinson’s disease, for which no disease-modifying therapies currently exist. Genetic mutations that impair mitophagy, the process by which damaged mitochondria are removed, cause Mendelian forms of Parkinson’s disease. In addition, mitochondrial function and mitophagy are deficient in sporadic Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, enhancement of mitophagy has demonstrated protective effects in preclinical models and is ready for translation to human trials. Vincere has developed novel, potent, and selective USP30 inhibitor molecules that enhance mitophagy of damaged mitochondria without harming or eliminating healthy mitochondria. These molecules have the potential to become the first disease-modifying medicines for Parkinson’s disease. The company is supported by a robust mitochondrial screening and validation platform, as well as patented artificial intelligence and simulation tools that accelerate molecule discovery and development. The Development Candidate molecule is brain penetrant, orally bioavailable, and has demonstrated favorable safety margins in non-GLP studies; it is currently advancing through GLP IND-enabling studies in preparation for clinical trials in 2026. Vincere has received support from top-tier investors, including Draper Associates, LongGame, Castor Capital, Portal Innovations, Quadrascope, Healthspan Capital, KreaMedica, Freemind Investment, Beresford Ventures, Daewoong Pharma, and HanAll Biopharma, among others. The company’s approach has been validated through multiple NIH SBIR awards (from NIA and NINDS), grants from the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and in-kind industry awards from Johnson & Johnson and Bristol Myers Squibb. Vincere aims to advance its lead molecules into human clinical trials next year and intends to pursue partnerships with pharmaceutical companies as its primary commercialization strategy.

XellSmart Biomedical Co., Ltd.

Beijing , China

Sun 11 Jan · 12:15 – 10:30

XellSmart is a clinical-stage regenerative medicine company focused on developing disease-modifying cell therapies for CNS disorders. Founded in 2021, the company operates a 5,000 m² integrated R&D center and B+/A-grade GMP manufacturing and quality control facilities in Shanghai and Suzhou. Leveraging its proprietary off-the-shelf, allogeneic iPSC-derived cell therapy platform, XellSmart enables scalable, standardized, and clinical-grade manufacturing for multiple CNS indications. To date, XellSmart has obtained several IND clearances from the U.S. FDA and China NMPA, supporting a diversified pipeline spanning PD, SCI and ALS.

VIRTUAL SHOWCASES:

ANeuroTech BV

Alken, Belgium

ANeuroTech is a clinical-stage CNS company developing innovative disease-modifying therapies for CNS and neurological disorders. Its lead program, ANT01, is a once-daily oral adjunctive therapy for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) advancing toward pivotal development, demonstrating evidence for clinically relevant reduction of cognitive impairment and reduction of anhedonia. ANeuroTech is also advancing combination strategies particularly in the field of orexin, aiming to deliver higher efficacy, faster onset, and more durable outcomes across complex CNS conditions.

Biotechnology

Murck-Neuroscience LLC

Westfield, United States

Murck-Neuroscience LLC is a precision psychiatry company. The company's candidate is enoxolone (glycyrrhetinic acid), a plant-derived compound with neuroendocrine and anti-inflammatory profile. Enoxolone targets the biological pathways associated with antidepressants resistance, offering the potential to significantly improve outcomes in patients who do not benefit from existing therapies. Importantly, the targeted population can be characterized on the basis of a neuroendocrine and inflammatory biomarker profile, identifying these subject as high risk for therapy resistance. This allows to circumvent treatment resistance by early adjunct therapy with enoxolone.