The Iceland-based Synaptiq Therapeutics has launched to advance SYN-001 (previously NB-001), a Phase II-ready small molecule for neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, following its acquisition from Pennsylvania-based Nobias Therapeutics. Nobias retains an equity stake in Synaptiq alongside a consortium of founding investors. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Founding investors include Investcorp-backed Sanos Group, AxUM Securities, and Arctic Therapeutics. Nobias, majority-backed by Medical Excellence Capital, is not named as a founding investor but holds continuing equity in Synaptiq. Patrick Dougherty has been named Chief Executive Officer; no prior affiliations were disclosed for him. Arctic Therapeutics CEO Ivar Hakonarson serves as Synaptiq's chairman, linking the new company to Arctic's genomics research ties and drug development infrastructure.
SYN-001 is a small molecule modulator of metabotropic glutamate receptors. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II trial run by Nobias, the compound showed a favorable safety and tolerability profile along with statistically significant efficacy improvements in certain patient subgroups. Synaptiq plans to initiate a Phase IIb trial at centers across North America and Europe, incorporating a 22q11DS-specific clinical global impression scale developed from the earlier study's findings. SYN-001 holds Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease designations from the FDA, granted in 2024, and Nobias reported preliminary alignment with the agency on potential registrational endpoints in 2025.