- GSK3 inhibitors showed successful CNS target engagement and efficacy comparable to lithium at significantly lower doses in models of bipolar disorder
SKILLMAN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 4M Therapeutics Inc., an early-stage biotechnology company developing treatments for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions, today announced the presentation of a poster at the Society of Biological Psychiatry (SOBP) Annual Meeting, that occurred from May 9-11, 2024, in Austin, Texas. The poster, titled “The Effects of Novel Small Molecules in a Preclinical Model of Positive Affective State,” was presented on May 11, 2024.
“Our presentation underscored the capability of our novel small molecules to selectively target GSK3β and demonstrate efficacy for the treatment of bipolar disorder and acute mania,” said Dr. Pablo Lapuerta, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of 4M Therapeutics. “We continue to accelerate the development of much-needed therapeutic options that have the potential to significantly improve upon the safety and efficacy of the standard of care for patients with neuropsychiatric conditions. We remain on track to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial for our lead investigational compound in 2025.”
The poster examined the effects of 4M Therapeutics’ glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) inhibitors, 4MT-A and 4MT-B, on amphetamine (AMP)-induced positive appetitive ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), a validated model of positive affective state. Marked increases in USVs when treated with AMP were attenuated by lithium, and equal or greater reduction in USVs was observed when treated with 4MT-A and 4MT-B at 1/500th to 1/1000th the concentration of lithium. Similar patterns were observed across USV categories and treatment groups in both the first and second hour after AMP dosing. In addition, supporting data showed target engagement for 4MT-A through the reduction of pCRMP2 in vitro in excitatory cortical neurons and in vivo in rat brain. These statistically significant reductions in pCRMP2 demonstrated GSK3β inhibition affecting a key biomarker.
About 4M Therapeutics Inc.
4M Therapeutics Inc. (4MTx) is advancing treatments for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions. The Company focuses on targets for a wide array of disorders and indications. 4MTx applies unique insights from its living human brain cell platform, which was developed through a collaboration between Harvard, MIT, and the University of Washington to identify and design more effective and safer therapeutics. The Company’s pipeline includes potential breakthrough treatments for bipolar mania, agitation in Alzheimer’s disease, neurodegeneration, and other CNS disorders. For more information, visit .
