EX14280 and EX14663
Developing Innovative Treatments for Neurological Disorders
A New Approach to Treating Social Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorder
We are committed to developing next-generation treatments for neurological disorders that significantly impact daily life. Our global FAAH inhibitor program is built on cutting-edge research and represents a novel therapeutic approach for social anxiety disorder and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
How EX14280 and EX14663 Are Designed to Work
These are highly selective FAAH inhibitors that prevent the breakdown of anandamide, a key endocannabinoid involved in regulating mood, stress response and social behaviors. By increasing anandamide levels in the brain, these enhance endocannabinoid signaling, which is believed to:
- Reduce social anxiety and stress sensitivity by promoting a calmer, more balanced emotional response
- Improve social interaction and communication in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Modulate neural circuits involved in anxiety, mood regulation and cognitive flexibility
Unlike our peripherally restricted FAAH inhibitor, EX937, which is only active outside the brain and central nervous system (CNS), these are designed to readily enter the central nervous system (CNS). This allows direct impact in the brain regions responsible for social processing, emotional regulation, and cognitive function, making it a promising candidate for neurological disorders beyond chronic cough, including anxiety, ASD, addiction and insomnia.
Our Programs
EX937
EX937 is an innovative small molecule being developed for the treatment of refractory chronic cough, a condition that affects approximately 10% of the global population. Leveraging a novel and differentiated approach, by peripherally inhibiting the FAAH enzyme, EX937 has demonstrated marked efficacy and favorable safety in preclinical models.
EX14280 and EX14663
These globally active FAAH inhibitors leverage a chemical scaffold similar to EX937 to achieve body-wide enhancement of anandamide-mediated signaling. Substantial preclinical and clinical data with these and other FAAH inhibitors indicate potential usefulness in the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder.