Science

Targeting the Unmet Need in CNS Therapies

On-target but off-tissue drug engagement often causes side effects that limit a drug’s therapeutic window. For CNS disorders, drugs that poorly cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) require higher doses, often increasing peripheral exposure and adverse events. While some CNS drugs show early efficacy, their broad, whole-body activity often leads to dose-limiting side effects, halting development.

Targeted strategies that focus drug action within the CNS and minimize peripheral effects may improve the therapeutic index, opening new pathways for treating challenging neurological diseases.

Our Approach

Praesidia’s novel prodrug platform unlocks higher therapeutic Indices for CNS drugs by combining three key features into one molecule:

Pharmacokinetic properties

improving bioavailability, metabolic stability, or drug disposition

Prodrug inactive against biological target  

low peripheral API exposure

Brain-selective target engagement  

targeted API release for
maximal efficacy

A Novel Portfolio of Strategically Selected High-Value Programs

Our approach addresses health conditions and CNS disorders that are among the most prevalent globally. We aim to deliver the full therapeutic potential of valuable treatments to address a broad range of unmet needs.

Specifically, Praesidia’s prodrug targets clinically validated CNS pathways in which efficacy has been limited by significant on-target peripheral side effects.   

Our portfolio includes areas of Mental, Neurological, and Neurodegenerative disorders.

Parkinson's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease

Epilepsy

Pain

Schizophrenia

Major Depressive  Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Anxiety Disorders

Addiction

Eating Disorders

Obesity

Neuroinflammatory Conditions

Get in Touch

Meeting the best possible standard of care requires the cooperation of many. We welcome conversations with potential new partners, investors, and those who may contribute to our efforts.