With three central nervous system (central nervous system, or CNS) clinical-stage programs under way up to Phase II, China-based NeuShen Therapeutics announced the close of a Series B financing round exceeding USD 80 million, providing the capital to advance its small-molecule pipeline into global multi-center studies and expand its CNS indication footprint.
The oversubscribed round was led by an undisclosed industry investor, with participation from B Capital, Legend Capital, Matrix Partners China, ZhenFund, Shanghai State-owned Capital Investment, and existing investor Lilly Asia Ventures. NeuShen said proceeds will be deployed primarily to expand its CNS pipeline, accelerate global clinical development of core programs, and pursue novel therapeutic pathways addressing unmet clinical needs.
NeuShen's three clinical-stage assets reflect distinct mechanistic approaches to CNS disease. NS-136 (laviclidine), a selective M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor positive allosteric modulator (M4 PAM), is the lead program. A Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in schizophrenia is currently enrolling following Phase I results that the company said demonstrated a favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profile. A separate Phase II trial targeting Alzheimer's disease agitation has received regulatory clearance in both China and the US, with global multi-center enrollment imminent. NS-041 (zolankalner), a selective KCNQ2/3 channel activator, is in a Phase II proof-of-concept study for focal onset seizures at multiple sites, with a Phase II program in major depressive disorder in preparation. NS-079, a non-hallucinogenic 5-HT2A receptor partial agonist targeting treatment-resistant depression, has initiated Phase I first-in-human dosing in Australia.