July 11, 2024 by Arsalan Shah, PharmD, MBA
TL;DR
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Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals develops next-generation mental health treatments, focusing on rapid-acting and long-lasting therapies without the side effects of traditional psychedelics.
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Recently raised $39 million in Series B funding and received a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to support their groundbreaking research.
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Partnered with AbbVie in a deal worth up to $2 billion to accelerate the development and commercialization of their novel psychiatric treatments.
Disclaimer: We are not associated with or have any monetary relationships with Gilgamesh Pharma. This article is part of a series highlighting different pharmaceutical companies in the field of psychedelics.
In this article, we will discuss Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals. A company with the mission to “develop novel compounds that capture the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics to fundamentally reshape the treatment of mental illness”. They made pretty big splashes recently, but I feel the news cycle came and went. Their recent 2 Billion dollar partnership with AbbVie Inc., makes me feel like we should keep an eye out for them.
Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, affect millions of people globally, yet the treatments available have remained largely the same for decades. This is where Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals is aiming to revolutionize the field with innovative therapies that promise quicker, longer-lasting relief with fewer side effects.
Founded in 2019 by Dr. Jonathan Sporn, Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals is a cutting-edge biotech firm dedicated to developing novel treatments for psychiatric disorders. Their primary focus is on neuroplastogens—compounds that enhance the brain’s ability to adapt and change. Unlike traditional psychedelics, which can cause hallucinations, Gilgamesh’s treatments aim to deliver the benefits without the hallucination. I imagine that is what attracted AbbVie to it. The “tripping” part is going to take some systematic changes in order to integrate into the current health system.
The Pipeline
Gilgamesh’s pipeline includes several promising candidates, each targeting different aspects of mental health:
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GM-1020: This is an oral NMDA receptor antagonist currently in Phase 2 trials. It is designed to offer rapid-acting antidepressant effects without the dissociative side effects typically associated with similar treatments. GM-1020 is being developed for potential at-home use, making it convenient for patients.
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GM-2505: Another exciting candidate, GM-2505, is a short-acting 5-HT2A agonist also in Phase 2 trials. It acts within 60-90 minutes, providing quick relief for depression and anxiety. This compound is designed to require less clinical supervision, potentially increasing patient access to treatment.
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GM-5022: In the IND enabling phase, this oral neuroplastogen aims to treat depression and anxiety without causing hallucinations. It represents a new class of treatments that could significantly improve patient outcomes.
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GM-3009: This is a safer ibogaine analog in pre-clinical development. They focus on treating opioid use disorder, PTSD, and traumatic brain injury, with improved cardiac safety and efficacy compared to traditional ibogaine. Ibogaine, a naturally occurring psychoactive substance, has shown promise in treating addiction, but its use has been limited due to significant cardiovascular risks. Gilgamesh’s analog aims to retain the therapeutic benefits while mitigating these risks, potentially offering a groundbreaking treatment for addiction and trauma-related disorders.
Major Developments & Partnerships
Gilgamesh recently secured a $39 million Series B funding round led by Prime Movers Lab. This funding will advance GM-1020 and GM-2505 through their clinical trials, pushing them closer to market availability. The successful fundraising highlights the strong confidence investors have in Gilgamesh’s innovative approach to mental health treatment (BioSpace).
In addition to the funding, Gilgamesh received a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to support their groundbreaking research in treating addiction and substance abuse disorders. This grant not only provides crucial financial support but also serves as a significant endorsement of Gilgamesh’s research from a leading federal institute. The ibogaine analog seems to have a lot of potential.
A major highlight in Gilgamesh’s journey is its strategic partnership with AbbVie, a global leader in pharmaceuticals. Announced in May 2024, this collaboration focuses on developing next-generation therapies for psychiatric disorders. AbbVie is providing an upfront payment of $65 million, with potential milestone payments totaling up to $1.95 billion, alongside tiered royalties on net sales. This partnership aims to leverage AbbVie’s extensive experience in drug development and commercialization to accelerate the progress and reach of Gilgamesh’s innovative treatments (Psychedelic Alpha).
Future Insights
Looking ahead, Gilgamesh aims to continue its innovative research and development efforts, potentially expanding its pipeline to address a wider range of neuropsychiatric conditions. Their ongoing collaboration with leading institutions and companies like AbbVie Inc. will likely play a crucial role in bringing their visionary treatments to patients around the world.
Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals stands at the forefront of a mental health revolution. With innovative treatments, strategic partnerships, and substantial funding, they are well-positioned to transform the landscape of psychiatric care. As their therapies progress through clinical trials, there is hope that these new treatments will offer faster, more effective relief for those struggling with mental health disorders. Keep an eye on Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals—they are a company to watch in the coming years.