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§ Private Profile · Evanston, IL, USA
Naurex is a technology company.
Naurex Inc. develops novel biopharmaceutical therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders, primarily depression. The company’s innovative approach modulates N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, aiming for therapeutic effects without severe side effects. Its pipeline includes lead candidate rapastinel (GLYX-13) for major depressive disorder and the orally active compound NRX-1074, both designed to offer improved treatment options.
Joseph R. Moskal, a distinguished professor, founded Naurex Inc. in 2008. His insight, born from extensive neuroscience research into synaptic plasticity and the NMDA receptor, drove him to create compounds that selectively modulate NMDA receptor activity. This approach addresses brain diseases by circumventing the limitations of earlier, less specific agents, representing a significant advancement in neuropsychiatric drug discovery.
Naurex’s products target patients with major depressive disorder and other challenging CNS conditions, particularly those unresponsive to existing treatments. The company envisions delivering transformative therapies providing rapid, substantial, and well-tolerated antidepressant and neurocognitive benefits. Its mission focuses on pioneering new therapeutic paradigms to significantly improve patient outcomes.
Naurex has raised $136.0M across 3 funding rounds.
Naurex has raised $136.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Naurex is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in developing novel modulators of the NMDA receptor to treat challenging diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), with a particular focus on major depressive disorder (MDD) and other CNS conditions[1][5]. Its products aim to optimize synaptic function, addressing unmet medical needs in mental health. Naurex serves patients with difficult-to-treat CNS diseases, offering innovative therapeutic options where traditional treatments often fail. The company has demonstrated strong growth momentum, culminating in its acquisition by Allergan (now part of AbbVie), which has enabled its promising antidepressant programs to advance into late-stage clinical trials and toward market entry[2][3].
Founded in late 2006 as a spin-off from Northwestern University, Naurex emerged from the research of Joe Moskal, who was driven by a desire to understand cognition rather than purely commercial goals[2]. The company grew steadily, supported by Northwestern’s innovative environment and collaborations with world-class researchers and students. Early traction came with a significant $18 million financing round in 2011, attracting experienced pharmaceutical veterans like Bill Gantz and Riedel, who brought industry expertise and connections to the company[2][4]. Over nearly a decade, Naurex evolved from a small startup into a valuable biopharma firm, culminating in its acquisition by Allergan in a deal valued at $560 million upfront plus milestone payments[2].
Naurex rides the growing trend of precision neuroscience and innovative CNS therapeutics, addressing the significant unmet need in mental health treatment where many patients do not respond to existing drugs. The timing is favorable due to increasing recognition of CNS disorders’ societal impact and advances in molecular neuroscience enabling targeted therapies. Market forces such as rising mental health awareness, regulatory support for novel CNS drugs, and pharmaceutical industry interest in breakthrough therapies work in Naurex’s favor. Its success exemplifies the value of academic spin-offs in translating cutting-edge research into commercial biopharma innovations, influencing the broader ecosystem by encouraging similar university-industry collaborations[2][4].
Looking ahead, Naurex’s integration with AbbVie positions it well to bring its novel CNS therapies to market, potentially transforming treatment paradigms for depression and other CNS disorders. Trends shaping its journey include advances in neuropharmacology, personalized medicine, and growing investment in mental health innovation. As the company’s programs progress through clinical development, its influence may expand by validating NMDA receptor modulation as a therapeutic strategy, inspiring further research and development in this space. Naurex’s trajectory from academic spin-off to a key player in CNS drug development underscores the importance of sustained scientific innovation combined with strategic industry partnerships.
Naurex has raised $136.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $80.0M Series C in December 2014.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1, 2014 | $80M Series C | — | ALSA Ventures, Soffinova Partners, Adams Street Partners, Baxter Ventures, Cowen Healthcare Investments, Druid BioVentures, Oleg Nodelman, Genesys Capital, Goudy Park Capital, H. Lundbeck, Latterell Venture Partners, Northwestern University, Portola Capital Partners, Sabby Capital, Savitr Capital, Takeda Ventures | Announced |
| Dec 17, 2012 | $38M Series B | Norbert Rieidel | Adams Street Partners, Druid BioVentures, Genesys Capital, H. Lundbeck, Latterell Venture Partners, Northwestern University, Pathocapital, IAN Ferrier, Shire, Takeda Ventures | Announced |
| May 1, 2011 | $18M Series A | Terry Gould, KEN Widder | ALSA Ventures, Soffinova Partners, Druid BioVentures, Genesys Capital, H. Lundbeck, Bill Gantz, Shire, Takeda Ventures | Announced |
Naurex has raised $136.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Naurex's investors include ALSA Ventures, Soffinova Partners, Adams Street Partners, Baxter Ventures, Cowen Healthcare Investments, Druid BioVentures, Oleg Nodelman, Genesys Capital, Goudy Park Capital, H. Lundbeck, Latterell Venture Partners, Northwestern University.