#United States #Redwood City #MapLight Therapeutics #Alzheimer’s Disease #Series D Funding

MapLight Therapeutics Finalizes Significant $372.5 Million Series D Financing

MapLight Therapeutics recently unveiled a considerable funding round, successfully raising $372.5 million through its Series D financing. This investment was notably oversubscribed, indicating a strong investor confidence in the company's vision and prospects. The financing was co-led by Forbion and the Life Sciences division at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, attracting participation from several notable new investors including pharmaceutical giant Sanofi and investment management firms such as T. Rowe Price and Avego BioScience Capital, along with robust backing from existing stakeholders like Novo Holdings, 5AM Ventures, and Blue Owl Healthcare Opportunities.

Advancing Innovative Therapeutics

A primary outcome of this financing will be the advancement of MapLight’s flagship project, ML-007C-MA. This investigational compound is an oral fixed-dose combination that pairs an M1/M4 muscarinic agonist with a peripherally acting anticholinergic. This design aims to activate critical muscarinic receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) while controlling peripheral cholinergic side effects, providing a unique therapeutic approach to treatment.

The additional capital will support ongoing Phase 2 trials focusing on schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease psychosis. Furthermore, it allows MapLight to explore other potential indications for ML-007C-MA and further develop its pipeline of clinical and preclinical programs.

Christopher Kroeger, M.D., M.B.A., the Chief Executive Officer and Founder, expressed excitement over the caliber of new investments, stating, "The caliber of this new investor group, combined with the continued strong support from our high-quality existing shareholders, is a testament to MapLight's compelling vision and strategy." His commitment to advancing new, effective treatments for brain disorders that impact patients' and families' lives resonates throughout the company's initiatives.

Strengthening Leadership and Investment Strategy

The Series D financing marked a crucial point for MapLight not only because of the substantial capital raised but also due to the strategic direction it sets. Nanna Lüneborg, Ph.D., M.B.A., a General Partner at Forbion, is set to join MapLight's Board of Directors. She remarked on the promising potential of ML-007C-MA, describing it as a potential best-in-class M1/M4 agonist capable of meeting significant unmet needs in current therapeutic landscapes.

Josh Richardson, M.D., Managing Director at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, emphasized the importance of collaborations with strong teams like MapLight’s, stating, "We are excited to partner with the outstanding team and investor syndicate at MapLight to fuel these important new innovations in the CNS space.” This partnership exemplifies a shared trust in the future of targeted CNS therapies deriving from advanced biotechnology solutions.

About MapLight and Future Aspirations

Founded by recognized experts in psychiatry and neuroscience, MapLight Therapeutics aims to revolutionize the treatment landscape for debilitating CNS disorders. Their innovative discovery platform seeks to identify and therapeutically modulate neural circuits associated with various diseases, thereby addressing a critical gap in existing pharmacotherapies.

With this significant boost in financing, MapLight is well-positioned to continue its pioneering work in the biopharmaceutical industry, focusing on CNS disorders such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease, which remain pressing challenges that require innovative and effective solutions. As exciting developments unfold, all eyes will be on MapLight as it strives to create impactful therapies that enhance patient outcomes and promote global health advancements.

For more information, check their official website at www.maplightrx.com.

This funding represents a transformative step not only for MapLight but also for the field of neuroscience, demonstrating the increasing confidence and investment in innovative treatments that could significantly improve patients' quality of life across the globe.