A consortium of European and US-based investors and Nobias Therapeutics announced the launch of Synaptiq Therapeutics, a privately held, clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to advancing SYN-001 for the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with 22q11DS. With the acquisition of Nobias Therapeutics' lead asset, NB-001 (now SYN-001), Synaptiq brings together experienced investors, proven clinical development capabilities and operational expertise to advance SYN-001 through late-stage clinical development and toward potential regulatory approval. Patrick Dougherty has been appointed Chief Executive Officer.

Founding investors include Investcorp-backed Sanos Group, a specialized, clinical research organization (CRO) headquartered in Denmark, an Icelandic investment fund by AxUM Securities, and Arctic Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company with operations in Iceland and the US. Nobias Therapeutics, which is majority-backed by Medical Excellence Capital, will retain an equity interest in Synaptiq Therapeutics alongside the founding investors. The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the transaction.

"The creation of Synaptiq Therapeutics marks an important milestone in the advancement of SYN-001," said Patrick Dougherty, Chief Executive Officer of Synaptiq Therapeutics. "The program has already generated impressive Phase II data. By bringing together dedicated investors, experienced development partners and a focused operating company, we are well positioned to advance SYN-001 through Phase IIb and move closer to delivering the first approved therapy specifically indicated for individuals living with 22q11DS."

Headquartered in Iceland, Synaptiq Therapeutics will leverage Arctic Therapeutics' established drug development platform, experienced clinical operations team, scientific expertise and deep research relationship with the US-based Center for Applied Genomics at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Sanos Group will contribute its clinical development and contract research capabilities as the company prepares to initiate a Phase IIb clinical trial at leading medical centers across North America and Europe. SYN-001 has the potential to become the first therapy specifically developed for the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with 22q11DS.

"This transaction creates an entity dedicated to realizing the potential of SYN-001," said Ivar Hakonarson, Chief Executive Officer of Arctic Therapeutics and Chairman of Synaptiq Therapeutics. "By combining Arctic Therapeutics' development capabilities with an experienced investor group, an outstanding management team and strategic partners, we have created the right platform to accelerate development of this important program. We are delighted to welcome Patrick Dougherty as Chief Executive Officer and look forward to working together to bring a much-needed treatment option to patients and families affected by 22q11DS."

22q11DS, also known as DiGeorge syndrome, is one of the most common rare genetic disorders, affecting approximately one in every 2,000 to 3,300 live births globally. The condition is believed to be substantially underdiagnosed in certain patient subsets and in certain regions. Based on recent fertility statistics in Europe² and the United States, this translates to approximately 1,000 to 2,000 children born with 22q11DS each year in each region. It is estimated that around 65,000 people are living with the condition in the United States.

SYN-001 is a novel small molecule modulator of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Nobias Therapeutics evaluated the compound in a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II clinical trial which demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile. The study also generated positive efficacy signals, including statistically significant improvements in clinically relevant patient subgroups. The upcoming Phase IIb study will incorporate a 22q11DS-specific clinical global impression (CGI) scale that is based on insights from this completed trial.

In 2024, SYN-001 received both Orphan Drug Designation and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2025, Nobias Therapeutics announced preliminary alignment with the FDA on potential registrational endpoints to support future development.

Individuals living with 22q11DS frequently experience a combination of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder-related manifestations. These symptoms can have a profound impact on quality of life, educational achievement, and social functioning, while placing a significant burden on families and caregivers. There are currently no approved therapies specifically indicated for the neuropsychiatric manifestations of 22q11DS.