Prexa Pharmaceuticals

Prexa Pharmaceuticals is a Boston-based biotechnology company established in 2006 by founder Jim Hauske, with Charles Cohen later serving as Chairman and CEO. The company focuses on developing therapies for central nervous system (CNS) diseases by exploring the benefits of dopamine reuptake inhibition. Its primary targets include conditions such as ADHD, depression, and Parkinson's disease.

The company's core strategy involves the creation of oral small molecule monoamine reuptake inhibitors. These are designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of existing treatments. By modulating dopamine and, to a lesser extent, norepinephrine activity, Prexa aims to offer improved therapeutic options. One of its key developments was PRX-14040, a selective dopamine reuptake inhibitor with notable selectivity for the dopamine transporter over the norepinephrine transporter. Another lead candidate, PRX-12251, is a triple re-uptake inhibitor that blocks dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters. This approach is intended to provide significant efficacy while maintaining a favorable safety profile.

Prexa's business model is centered on the development and subsequent partnership of its product pipeline with larger biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. The company has successfully raised capital to advance its research and development efforts, including a $3.1 million Series A financing and a $7 million Series B round in 2011. The Series B funding, led by Advent Healthcare Ventures with participation from Shire Pharmaceuticals, was earmarked for completing IND-enabling studies for its lead product candidate, PRX-12251.

Keywords: CNS diseases, dopamine reuptake inhibitors, ADHD treatment, Parkinson's disease therapy, depression medication, small molecule drugs, monoamine reuptake inhibitors, PRX-12251, PRX-14040, neurotherapeutics, biotechnology, pharmaceutical partnerships, clinical development, Advent Healthcare Ventures, Shire Pharmaceuticals, central nervous system disorders, triple reuptake inhibitor, oral CNS therapies, psychiatric disorders, neurological indications