Neumora Therapeutics Initiates Phase 1 Study on NMRA-898

By Ahmed Jameison • Monday, October 27 12:04 • Permanent Link

Neumora Therapeutics, Inc. has announced the initiation of a phase 1 clinical study of NMRA-898, a positive allosteric modulator of the M4 muscarinic receptor subtype. This compound, which is structurally distinct from NMRA-861, is the second M4 PAM in Neumora's M4 franchise. The company has highlighted the potential best-in-class pharmacology of both programs and the absence of convulsions in pre-clinical studies across multiple species, including rabbits.

The phase 1 single-ascending dose/multiple-ascending dose (SAD/MAD) study of NMRA-898 will evaluate its safety, tolerability, and human pharmacokinetic data, confirming the potential for once-daily dosing and central nervous system exposure. Neumora has also expressed its intention to provide a comprehensive M4 franchise update by mid-2026.

Bill Aurora, Pharm.D., Chief Operating and Development Officer at Neumora, emphasized the strategic flexibility gained by having both NMRA-898 and NMRA-861 in the clinic, citing the potential best-in-class pharmacology of each compound as a key factor in advancing development. The company plans to evaluate the strategy for its M4 franchise based on the data from these studies and potentially advance the development of one or both programs.

NMRA-898 was exclusively licensed from the Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery at Vanderbilt University, with a composition of matter patent extending to 2044. The compound targets the M4 muscarinic receptor to elicit antipsychotic effects, without the side effects associated with the first* and second-generation antipsychotics. This is particularly significant in the context of schizophrenia, a debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder with a significant unmet medical need.

Neumora's mission is to redefine neuroscience drug development by bringing forward the next generation of novel therapies that offer improved treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients. Today the company's shares have moved 13.85% to a price of $2.63. For more information, read the company's full 8-K submission here.

The above analysis is intended for educational purposes only and was performed on the basis of publicly available data. It is not to be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Any buy, sell, or other recommendations mentioned in the article are direct quotations of consensus recommendations from the analysts covering the stock, and do not represent the opinions of Market Inference or its writers. Past performance, accounting data, and inferences about market position and corporate valuation are not reliable indicators of future price movements. Market Inference does not provide financial advice. Investors should conduct their own review and analysis of any company of interest before making an investment decision.