Participated · Series B · Dec 2017

Aptinyx is an Evanston, IL–based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel, small-molecule modulators of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Its chemistry and discovery platform has generated clinical drug candidates NYX-2925 and NYX-783, which have demonstrated high oral bioavailability, diverse NMDA receptor subtype binding profiles, differentiated preclinical efficacy, and favorable safety. NYX-2925 is in a Phase 2 study for neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and an exploratory study in fibromyalgia; the FDA granted Fast Track designation for NYX-2925 in DPN. NYX-783 has initiated a Phase 1 study to evaluate safety and tolerability and is being developed for PTSD, for which the FDA has also granted Fast Track designation. The company completed a $70M Series B and intends to use the funds to advance its clinical-stage pipeline, support clinical studies of NYX-2925 and NYX-783, advance a third proprietary compound into the clinic in 2018, initiate development in new indications, and continue discovery of additional NMDA receptor modulators. Led by CEO Norbert Riedel, Aptinyx plans to progress multiple clinical and discovery-stage programs using the new financing. Aptinyx develops novel small‑molecule modulators of the N‑methyl‑D‑aspartate (NMDA) receptor aimed at treating difficult neurological disorders. The company operates a proprietary chemistry platform for discovering orally bioavailable NMDA receptor modulators that enhance synaptic plasticity. Aptinyx has completed IND‑enabling studies for its first clinical candidate and plans to initiate Phase 1 studies in mid‑2016. The $65M Series A financing will be used to conduct initial clinical studies of the lead drug candidate and to discover additional small‑molecule modulators. The company is led by president and CEO Norbert Riedel, Ph.D., and is based in Evanston, Illinois.