Addex and Indivior Progress GABAB Positive Allosteric Modulators
Ad Hoc Announcement Pursuant to Art. 53 LR
Addex Therapeutics (SIX/NASDAQ: ADXN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm dedicated to developing innovative small molecule allosteric modulators for neurological disorders, has partnered with Indivior PLC (NASDAQ/LSE: INDV) to announce the selection of clinical candidates from their collaborative research on GABAB positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). Indivior has identified a compound for further development aimed at treating substance use disorders and will take full responsibility for its ongoing development. Under the agreement, Addex could receive as much as USD 330 million upon achieving specific regulatory, clinical, and commercial milestones, in addition to tiered royalties on net sales that range from high single digits to low double digits. Furthermore, Addex has opted to advance a compound for its own independent GABAB PAM program focused on chronic cough.
Insights into the Collaboration and Future Prospects
Christian Heidbreder, Chief Scientific Officer at Indivior, remarked, "The collaboration with Addex has been crucial in identifying promising candidates for treating substance use disorders. The challenges in this area are significant, but by concentrating on the GABAB receptor with positive allosteric modulators, we are opening new avenues for urgently needed therapies. At Indivior, we are committed to improving addiction treatment sciences to provide effective solutions for those affected by substance use issues."
Tim Dyer, CEO of Addex, stated, "The selection of GABAB PAM clinical candidates is the result of over five years of dedicated research at Addex in close collaboration with Indivior. Our industrial-scale allosteric modulator discovery platform has allowed us to identify specific candidates from thousands of possibilities. We look forward to the upcoming developments in Indivior's substance use disorder initiative while also focusing on advancing our selected clinical candidate for chronic cough into IND enabling studies."
Understanding GABAB Activation and PAMs
The activation of the gamma-aminobutyric acid subtype B (GABAB) receptor, which is part of the Family C class of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), is recognized both clinically and commercially. Baclofen, the generic GABAB receptor agonist used to treat spasticity, has shown effectiveness in various conditions, including alcohol use disorder, overactive bladder, chronic cough, and related pain. However, its application is limited due to side effects, rapid clearance from the body, and the risk of tolerance development. Innovative, potent, and selective PAMs that enhance GABA responses—rather than functioning as orthosteric agonists like baclofen—are anticipated to provide effective results with fewer adverse effects. Additionally, PAMs activate only when the natural ligand (GABA) binds to the receptor, which may account for the lower tolerance seen with PAMs compared to traditional agonists.
About Addex Therapeutics
Addex Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering novel small molecule allosteric modulators for neurological conditions. The company’s leading candidate, dipraglurant (an mGlu5 negative allosteric modulator or NAM), is currently being evaluated for potential future applications in recovery from brain injuries, such as those resulting from strokes and traumatic brain injuries. Meanwhile, Indivior is advancing a GABAB PAM drug candidate targeting substance use disorders and is expected to initiate IND enabling studies soon. Additionally, Addex is prioritizing its independent GABAB PAM program for chronic cough, with plans to start IND enabling studies in the near future. The company also holds a 20% equity stake in Neurosterix LLC, which is progressing several allosteric modulator programs aimed at conditions like schizophrenia, mood disorders, and mild neurocognitive disorders. Addex shares are actively traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbol "ADXN".
Contact Information
Tim Dyer
Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: +41 22 884 15 55
Email: PR@addextherapeutics.com
Mike Sinclair
Partner, Halsin Partners
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7318 2955
Email: msinclair@halsin.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of Addex Therapeutics?
Addex Therapeutics is dedicated to developing innovative small molecule allosteric modulators for neurological disorders.
What has Indivior selected for its development?
Indivior has selected a GABAB positive allosteric modulator aimed at treating substance use disorders.
What potential financial benefits does Addex stand to gain from this collaboration?
Addex could receive up to USD 330 million based on the achievement of specific regulatory, clinical, and commercial milestones.
How do GABAB PAMs compare to traditional agonists?
GABAB PAMs are expected to provide effective treatment with fewer side effects and a lower risk of tolerance, as they only activate when the natural ligand GABA is present.
Where can more information about Addex be found?
Additional information can be accessed on Addex's official website at www.addextherapeutics.com.
