Cognition Therapeutics uses disease-relevant screening and novel chemistry platform approaches to produce a pipeline of new small-molecule drug candidates targeting protein misfolding diseases of the nervous system. Its lead clinical candidate is a highly brain-penetrant, orally bioavailable small-molecule receptor antagonist that blocks memory deficits in Alzheimer’s disease models. The company is led by CEO Dr. Hank Safferstein. Cognition completed a $12M Series B financing to support its programs. The proceeds will be used to advance its lead Alzheimer’s program into Phase 1 clinical studies by the end of 2015. The company is based in Pittsburgh, PA. Cognition Therapeutics is a drug discovery company developing disease-modifying therapies for central nervous system disorders, with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease. The company uses proprietary, biologically-relevant screening technology across biology and chemistry platforms to discover novel drug targets. Its platforms have produced compounds that selectively block soluble Abeta oligomer–induced toxicity on synapses without affecting normal Abeta expression or function. Mechanism-of-action studies have revealed strategies to target receptors and pathways central to Alzheimer’s pathology. The company was founded in 2007 and is led by CEO Hank Safferstein, Ph.D., J.D. Financially, Cognition Therapeutics has received multiple financings, including a recent $138K funding commitment and prior Series A1 financing. Cognition Therapeutics is a Pittsburgh-based drug discovery company focused on novel small molecules intended to block the central toxicity of proteins in Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. The company has developed multiple screening strategies to identify candidate compounds that target disease pathways. Led by President and CEO Hank Safferstein, Ph.D., J.D., Cognition aims to advance its lead compounds toward Investigational New Drug (IND) candidate status. Financially, the company recently closed a $2.5M Series A1 financing comprised of new investment and conversion of convertible debt. The proceeds are earmarked to bring compounds to IND-candidate readiness. In conjunction with the financing, Dr. Nada Jain of Golden Seeds and Mark Breedlove of Keystone Profiles joined the company’s board of directors. Cognition Therapeutics focuses on detecting Abeta proteins implicated in Alzheimer’s and developing molecules to block their harmful effects. The company is developing tests to identify those proteins and therapeutic molecules intended to stop or reverse Alzheimer’s-related degeneration. Cognition says its discoveries could also be applied to other neurodegenerative diseases. The underlying advancements are licensed from California State University Channel Islands. Cognition moved to Pittsburgh about two years ago from California. The company has raised $1.2 million in a Series A to further study its tests and treatments.

Total raised

$16M

Funding rounds

4

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Sep 2015