XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. has acquired NeuroNOS for an undisclosed amount. NeuroNOS is a biotechnology company pioneering a first-in-class therapy targeting the root biological causes of autism. This acquisition integrates NeuroNOS's innovative preclinical asset, which has received FDA Orphan Drug Designation, into XTL Biopharmaceuticals' portfolio, marking a strategic expansion into neurological disorders.
NeuroNOS's work centers on a novel small molecule designed to restore brain function by correcting nitric oxide dysregulation, a mechanism identified as foundational in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research. This approach addresses oxidative and nitrosative stress, synaptic dysfunction, and disrupted brain metabolism. Led by research from MIT and Hebrew University, preclinical data have demonstrated near-complete restoration of behavioral and brain function in multiple ASD models. The company is supported by Nobel Laureates Prof. Roger D. Kornberg and Prof. Dan Shechtman, with Prof. Haitham Amal serving as CSO, and targets first-in-human trials for 2026.
The acquisition is expected to create significant synergies, combining NeuroNOS's groundbreaking scientific discoveries and promising therapeutic candidate with XTL Biopharmaceuticals' resources and development expertise. This strategic move allows XTL to gain a late-preclinical stage asset with potential applications beyond autism, including Alzheimer's and glioblastoma, as NeuroNOS's mechanism-based approach holds broader relevance for brain disorders.
Looking ahead, the combined entity aims to accelerate the development of this novel therapy, leveraging the strengths of both organizations to advance it through clinical trials. The focus will be on bringing meaningful, mechanism-based therapies to individuals with autism and other neurological conditions, addressing significant unmet medical needs.