What Syndeio Biosciences does

Syndeio Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing precision neurotherapeutics that target synaptic dysfunction in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The company operates a platform-plus-product model anchored by its proprietary Boost Platform™, a synapse pharmacology platform developed from the Stanford University laboratory of Nobel Laureate Thomas C. Südhof that integrates molecular, functional, and behavioral assays using human iPSC-derived neuronal networks, quantitative EEG (qEEG), polysomnography, and machine learning to predict clinical outcomes for synapse-targeted drug candidates. The company was formed from the February 2025 acquisition of Boost Neuroscience by Gate Neurosciences and launched publicly in May 2025 with a $90 million Series A.

Syndeio's lead clinical assets are zelquistinel, an oral NMDAR positive allosteric modulator in two Phase 2 studies for major depressive disorder (NCT06547489 high-dose, NCT07115329 low-dose, each enrolling at nearly 30 U.S. sites) with an upcoming first-of-its-kind synaptic function biomarker trial in Alzheimer's disease, and apimostinel, an injectable NMDAR PAM in a Phase 2a investigator-led trial at the University of Pittsburgh combining apimostinel with the ASAT digital neurocognitive therapy. Approximately 500 participants have been dosed across three zelquistinel trials, and apimostinel has demonstrated single-dose antidepressant effects lasting up to seven days in prior studies. The pipeline targets synaptopathies — including depression, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia — collectively affecting over one billion people globally.

As a pre-revenue clinical-stage company, Syndeio generates no product revenue. Its anticipated commercial model follows traditional pharmaceutical prescription-drug distribution through wholesale distributors, specialty pharmacies, and healthcare providers upon FDA approval, with an enterprise field-sales motion targeting hospitals and prescribers for zelquistinel (once-weekly oral) and apimostinel (acute injectable). The company employs 11–50 staff across its Indianapolis, IN headquarters and research laboratories in Menlo Park, CA, and Evanston, IL, and was backed at launch by Catalio Capital Management, Innoviva, Tenmile, Luson Bioventures, and Palo Santo, with strategic equity from AbbVie and Eli Lilly.

Name

Syndeio Biosciences

Legal name

Syndeio Biosciences

Website

https://syndeio.bio

Company type

Private

Founded year

2025

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Syndeio Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing synapse-targeted neurotherapeutics for CNS disorders such as major depressive disorder and Alzheimer's disease, using its proprietary Boost Platform™ to advance oral and injectable NMDAR PAM candidates through Phase 2 trials.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

CNS Therapeutics

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)

akta.pro primary industry

Neurology & Psychiatry (CNS) Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Neurology & CNS Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAC), Translational & Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers (MOA, target engagement, PD/PK-linked markers) (HLAAAMAD)

Keywords

• Clinical-stage biotechnology
• CNS drug development
• Synaptic pharmacology platform
• Precision neurotherapeutics
• NMDAR positive modulators

Headquarters

HQ city

Indianapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Pharmaceutical Development and Commercialization: As a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, Syndeio's primary expected revenue stream is from the commercialization of prescription CNS therapies (zelquistinel for MDD, apimostinel for acute depression, and additional pipeline programs). Revenue would be generated through prescription drug sales via traditional pharmaceutical distribution channels upon FDA approval.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Syndeio Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing precision neurotherapeutics for CNS disorders (synaptopathies) such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia. Its pipeline includes zelquistinel, an oral NMDAR positive allosteric modulator in Phase 2 studies for MDD and a synaptic function biomarker trial in Alzheimer's, and apimostinel, a rapid-acting injectable NMDAR PAM for acute depression in Phase 2a. Drug discovery is powered by the proprietary Boost Platform™, a synapse pharmacology platform originating from Nobel laureate Thomas Südhof's Stanford University laboratory.

Product overview

Syndeio Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering precision neurotherapeutics focused on restoring and enhancing synaptic health in CNS disorders termed 'synaptopathies.' The company operates a platform-plus-products model with its proprietary Boost Platform™ (a synapse pharmacology platform integrating molecular, functional, and behavioral models) that informs its clinical pipeline. The two lead clinical candidates are: Zelquistinel, an oral NMDAR positive allosteric modulator in Phase 2 for major depressive disorder and entering Alzheimer's disease studies; and Apimostinel, a rapid-acting injectable NMDAR PAM for acute depression treatment currently in Phase 2a. The Boost Platform™ de-risks new synaptic agents and guides effective treatment strategy for these programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Boost Platform™: Proprietary synapse pharmacology platform that integrates molecular, functional, and behavioral models to predict clinical outcomes and guide treatment strategy for synapse-targeted drug candidates.
• Zelquistinel
• Apimostinel

Products and services

• Zelquistinel A potential best-in-class oral molecule for enhancing synaptic function being evaluated in two separate Phase 2 studies in major depressive disorder (MDD) — a high-dose trial (NCT06547489) and a low-dose trial (NCT07115329) — enrolling at nearly 30 sites across the U.S., plus a first-of-its-kind synaptic function biomarker trial in Alzheimer's disease. Zelquistinel binds to a unique site on the NMDA receptor as a positive allosteric modulator, directly enhancing glutamate signaling and improving synaptic function. It has been dosed in approximately 500 study participants across 3 clinical trials, establishing a favorable tolerability profile and is highly differentiated from ketamine (NMDAR antagonist) and other PAMs by mitigating severe side effects.
• Apimostinel An NMDAR positive allosteric modulator (PAM) delivered as a potent, rapid-acting injectable for the treatment of severe CNS disorders, particularly acute depression. Three completed clinical trials have established a potential best-in-class safety and efficacy profile versus ketamine/esketamine, with prior Phase 2 data demonstrating statistically significant 24-hour antidepressant effects lasting up to seven days after a single dose. It is currently in an ongoing Phase 2a investigator-led trial at the University of Pittsburgh pairing apimostinel with the ASAT digital neurocognitive training tool to extend antidepressant efficacy in treatment-resistant depression.

Quantifiable outcome

• Zelquistinel demonstrated rapid and sustained antidepressant-like effects in preclinical models; favorable tolerability established in approximately 500 participants across 3 clinical trials.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Beacon BiosignalscoreTechnology or Integration · 27 May 2025Syndeio is a proud clinical partner of Beacon Biosignals and employs their FDA 510(k)-cleared DREEM 3S device to capture quantitative EEG and sleep/wake biomarkers in clinical studies, supporting pharmacodynamic assessments and targeted patient enrichment.
• University of PittsburghcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 December 2024Phase 2a clinical collaboration (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06400121) led by Dr. Rebecca Price evaluating apimostinel combined with Pitt's Automated Self-Association Training (ASAT) digital neurocognitive tool to extend the duration of apimostinel's single-dose antidepressant effects. ASAT is hypothesized to leverage a 'primed window of brain plasticity' for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
• Thomas C. Südhof, M.D. / Stanford UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Boost Platform™ was originally developed in the Stanford University laboratory of Nobel Laureate Dr. Thomas C. Südhof. Syndeio acquired Boost Neuroscience (the company spun out of Südhof's Stanford lab) and Südhof serves as Co-chair of Syndeio's Scientific Advisory Board.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Compass Pathways: Clinical-stage mental-health company developing psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Comparable as a clinical-stage player pursuing novel rapid-acting mechanisms for depression; competes indirectly for the same patient populations.
• Delix Therapeutics: Earlier-stage neuroscience company developing neuroplasticity-promoting therapeutics for CNS disorders. Comparable as an emerging synapse/neuroplasticity-focused player; Syndeio's incoming CMO Aaron Koenig previously served as Delix's CMO, signaling direct talent and strategic overlap.

Direct peers

• Neumora Therapeutics: Clinical-stage precision neuroscience company developing CNS therapies with biomarker-driven patient enrichment. Directly comparable in clinical stage, CNS specialty focus, and precision-neuroscience approach using qEEG/digital biomarkers.
• GH Research: Clinical-stage biopharma developing rapid-acting psychedelic therapies for treatment-resistant depression. Comparable as a clinical-stage company pursuing novel rapid-acting mechanisms for depression with similar regulatory and clinical-execution profile.
• Axsome Therapeutics: Commercial-stage CNS biopharma with Auvelity approved for MDD. Directly comparable as a CNS-focused company competing in the same MDD indication as Syndeio's zelquistinel, with similar mechanism-innovation positioning.
• Sage Therapeutics: Clinical-stage CNS biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies for depression and other CNS disorders (e.g., Zurzuvae for postpartum depression). Directly comparable in clinical stage, CNS focus, and MDD therapeutic area overlap with zelquistinel.
• Alto Neuroscience: Clinical-stage CNS company applying biomarker-driven patient stratification to develop precision psychiatry treatments. Closely comparable in CNS/MDD therapeutic focus, biomarker-led development model, and clinical-stage maturity.

Broad incumbents

• Janssen Pharmaceuticals (Johnson & Johnson): Markets Spravato (esketamine) — the dominant approved rapid-acting therapy for treatment-resistant depression and the principal benchmark for apimostinel's safety/efficacy profile. Broad incumbent in CNS with commercial scale Syndeio would need to match at launch.
• AbbVie: Holds a strategic equity stake in Syndeio and markets CNS products including Vraylar for depression. Broad incumbent in CNS with both commercial reach and a track record of acquiring CNS innovators (e.g., Allergan/Naurex acquisition path relevant to Syndeio's leadership).
• Karuna Therapeutics (Bristol-Myers Squibb): Acquired by BMS for $14B in 2024; developed xanomeline/trospium (Cobenfy) for schizophrenia. Highly comparable as a precedent CNS psychiatry exit co-founded by Syndeio's leadership — the founding team's repeat-execution thesis rests directly on this outcome.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/syndeio-biosciences

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors8 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Syndeio Biosciences