SciNeuro
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersRockville, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What SciNeuro does
SciNeuro Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company founded in late 2020 by Min Li (former SVP of Neurosciences R&D at GSK and Johns Hopkins professor) that develops disease-modifying therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The company's pipeline spans three mechanistic pillars—neurovascular inflammation, proteinopathy, and immune response—delivered through small molecules (SNP318, an Lp-PLA2 inhibitor that completed Phase 1 dosing in late 2023), antisense oligonucleotides (SNP614 targeting LRRK2 for Parkinson's; SNP622 targeting APOE for Alzheimer's), and monoclonal antibodies (SNP201 anti-alpha-synuclein, SNP203 anti-SORT1, SNP210 anti-TDP-43, SNP234 anti-amyloid). A core technical differentiator is the proprietary SNP837 blood-brain barrier (BBB) shuttle platform, described by the company as best-in-class for CNS delivery efficiency and pharmacokinetics, intended to be modularly combined with multiple therapeutic cargo types to improve deep brain biodistribution.
SciNeuro operates a licensing-and-collaboration business model: it discovers and advances programs through preclinical and early clinical stages, then partners with major pharmaceutical companies for late-stage development and commercialization while retaining rights in selected geographies (notably Greater China). Revenue mechanics consist of upfront licensing payments, research funding, development/regulatory/commercial milestone payments, tiered royalties on net sales, and non-dilutive grants. The most consequential deal to date is a January 2026 worldwide licensing and collaboration agreement with Novartis Pharma AG for the amyloid beta-targeted antibody program, valued at up to $1.7 billion ($165 million upfront plus up to $1.5 billion in milestones plus tiered royalties). Earlier license/option agreements include Eli Lilly (alpha-synuclein, Greater China), GSK (Lp-PLA2 inhibitors, worldwide with Greater China retention and GSK option post-PoC), and platform-discovery collaborations with Secarna Pharmaceuticals (LNAplus ASO platform), Alamar Biosciences (Attobody antibody platform), and Mabylon AG (human auto-antibody discovery). Capital formation includes a $100M Series A in December 2020 co-led by LAV and ARCH Venture Partners, a $53M equity round in December 2025 co-led by the same sponsors, and a $5M MJFF grant in November 2025. The company maintains a dual US-China operational footprint with headquarters in Rockville, Maryland and R&D operations in Shanghai's Pudong New District.
SciNeuro firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SciNeuro
- Legal name
- SciNeuro Pharmaceuticals
- Website
- https://scineuro.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SciNeuro industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Neurodegenerative Disease Therapeutics (CNS Biopharmaceuticals)
- NAICS
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414)
- SIC
- Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Neurology & CNS Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Neurology & Psychiatry (CNS) Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAF)
Keywords
Where SciNeuro is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Rockville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
SciNeuro business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Licensing and Collaboration Agreements: SciNeuro generates revenue through licensing its proprietary programs to larger pharmaceutical companies. This includes upfront payments, research funding, development and regulatory milestone payments, commercial milestones, and tiered royalties on net sales. Examples include the $165M upfront deal with Novartis plus up to $1.5B in milestones and royalties.
- Non-Dilutive Research Grants: The company receives non-dilutive funding through research grants from foundations and organizations, such as the $5M grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
- Equity Financing: SciNeuro raises equity capital from venture capital firms and investors to fund R&D operations and pipeline advancement. The company completed a $53M equity financing round in December 2025 and previously raised a $100M Series A in 2020.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
SciNeuro product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SciNeuro Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a portfolio of proprietary investigational therapeutics—small molecules, antibodies, and antisense oligonucleotides—for neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and ALS. The pipeline is built around three mechanistic pillars (neurovascular inflammation, proteinopathy, and immune response) and is enabled by a proprietary modular blood-brain barrier (BBB) shuttle platform (SNP837) designed to enhance deep brain delivery of therapeutic cargo across modalities.
Product overview
SciNeuro Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a portfolio of novel investigational medicines for neurodegenerative diseases. The company's pipeline spans discovery to clinical development across three mechanistic pillars: neurovascular inflammation (SNP318 - Lp-PLA2 inhibitor), proteinopathy (SNP201 - alpha-synuclein, SNP234 - beta-amyloid), and immune response (SNP203 - progranulin, SNP614 - LRRK2, SNP622 - APOE, SNP210 - TDP-43). The company's proprietary BBB shuttle technology (SNP837) enables deep brain delivery across multiple therapeutic modalities to enhance the therapeutic potential of pipeline candidates.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- SNP201 (Alpha-synuclein antibody) High-affinity alpha-synuclein antibody that binds preferentially to pathogenic aggregated forms of alpha-synuclein; targets Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. Licensed to Eli Lilly for Greater China; SciNeuro holds rights in that region.
- SNP203 (Anti-SORT1 antibody) Best-in-class anti-SORT1 antibody that restores extracellular progranulin (PGRN) levels by blocking the PGRN-SORT1 interaction, reducing PGRN endocytic clearance; targets frontotemporal dementia (GRN-FTD) and Alzheimer's disease.
- SNP210 (Anti-TDP-43 antibody) Human autoantibody with high affinity for disease-variant TDP-43; targets amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and certain forms of frontotemporal dementia.
- SNP234 (Anti-amyloid beta antibody) Next-generation anti-amyloid antibody with exceptional potency and selectivity for toxic aggregated beta-amyloid species over non-pathogenic monomeric forms; targets Alzheimer's disease. Licensed worldwide to Novartis (Jan 2026).
- SNP318 (Lp-PLA2 inhibitor) CNS-penetrant small-molecule inhibitor of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) with potential to repair the blood-brain barrier and blood-retinal barrier; targets Alzheimer's disease and macular diseases. Licensed from GSK (June 2022) with worldwide rights retained by SciNeuro.
- SNP614 (LRRK2-targeting antisense oligonucleotide) Chemically modified antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) using locked-nucleic acid (LNA) chemistry that efficiently downregulates LRRK2 mRNA, lowering LRRK2 levels and activities linked to Parkinson's disease development and progression; positioned as a disease-modifying therapy superior to current symptomatic standard of care.
- SNP622 (APOE-targeting antisense oligonucleotide) Potent antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that reduces APOE expression in relevant human brain cells, targeting Alzheimer's disease by reducing brain APOE4. Developed using Secarna's LNAplus platform under a 2023 research and option agreement.
- SNP837 (BBB Shuttle Platform) Proprietary modular blood-brain barrier (BBB) shuttle platform that enables therapeutic molecules (e.g., antibodies) to be transported into the CNS, enhancing deep-brain biodistribution, target engagement, and therapeutic potential; designed to be applicable across multiple therapeutic modalities.
Quantifiable outcome
- Phase 1 clinical trial completed for SNP318 with favorable safety profile, strong target engagement, and excellent oral exposure supporting once-daily dosing
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use SciNeuro
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
SciNeuro technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
SciNeuro partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, supporting and core.
- Novartis Pharma AGflagshipWorldwide licensing and collaboration agreement to develop SciNeuro's novel amyloid beta-targeted antibody program for Alzheimer's disease using proprietary BBB shuttle technology. SciNeuro receives $165M upfront plus up to $1.5B in development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, plus tiered royalties. Companies collaborate during early development; Novartis leads subsequent global clinical development and commercialization. Expected to close H1 2026.
- Secarna PharmaceuticalssupportingMulti-target research and option agreement for CNS disease therapies using Secarna's LNAplus antisense oligonucleotide discovery platform. Secarna generates and profiles ASO candidates against targets selected by SciNeuro; SciNeuro has option for exclusive worldwide development and commercialization rights.
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)coreExclusive worldwide license and option agreement for Lp-PLA2 inhibitors targeting neurodegenerative diseases. SciNeuro receives worldwide license with responsibility for clinical proof-of-concept; GSK has option to reclaim rights excluding Greater China following PoC. Based on clinical findings showing Lp-PLA2 inhibition may improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease.
- Alamar BiosciencessupportingMulti-program collaboration leveraging Alamar's Attobody platform to discover novel therapeutic antibodies for CNS disease targets. Alamar produces high-affinity antibodies without need for affinity maturation. SciNeuro receives exclusive worldwide rights; Alamar eligible for research payments, milestones, and royalties.
- Mabylon AGsupportingMulti-program collaboration and license agreement to discover and develop human auto-antibodies against neurological disease targets including TDP-43 and APOE. SciNeuro gains rights to develop and commercialize in Greater China with option to expand to worldwide. Mabylon brings proprietary human antibody screening and cloning technology.
- Eli Lilly & CompanycoreExclusive license agreement for alpha-synuclein targeted antibody therapies in Greater China. Lilly receives upfront payment plus downstream milestones and royalties; retains all rights outside Greater China. Targets Parkinson's disease and related neurological disorders affecting approximately 3 million patients in Greater China.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SciNeuro competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Denali Therapeutics: Clinical-stage biotech developing therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases using a proprietary blood-brain barrier delivery platform (Enzyme Transport Vehicle). Direct competitor in BBB shuttle technology and CNS drug development for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS.
- Alector: Clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on immune system approaches to neurodegenerative diseases, with programs in Alzheimer's, FTD, and Parkinson's. Comparable CNS pipeline structure and similar neuroimmunology focus areas.
- Prothena: Clinical-stage biotech developing protein-targeting therapies for neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's (alpha-synuclein), Alzheimer's (amyloid, tau), and ALS. Directly comparable in proteinopathy pipeline strategy and CNS focus.
- Voyager Therapeutics: Clinical-stage gene therapy company developing AAV-based therapeutics for CNS diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. Comparable in CNS-focused pipeline targeting neurodegenerative diseases with innovative delivery approaches.
- Anavex Life Sciences: Clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing treatments for neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Rett syndrome. Comparable clinical-stage CNS drug developer with small molecule focus.
- Cassava Sciences: Clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing treatments for Alzheimer's disease, with lead program simufilam and an Alzheimer's diagnostic. Comparable in clinical-stage Alzheimer's-focused CNS pipeline.
Emerging players
- Coya Therapeutics: Clinical-stage biotechnology company developing regulatory T-cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases including ALS and Alzheimer's. Emerging player with partial overlap in CNS neuroinflammation focus area.
- Wave Life Sciences: Clinical-stage genetic medicines company developing stereopure oligonucleotide therapeutics for CNS diseases including Huntington's, ALS, and Parkinson's. Emerging player in CNS-focused ASO development with comparable therapeutic modality.
Broad incumbents
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics. Comparable in antisense oligonucleotide/nucleic acid-based therapeutic modality expertise and CNS pipeline development through partnership with Regeneron.
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Established leader in antisense oligonucleotide drug discovery and development with multiple approved ASO drugs and broad CNS pipeline. Comparable in ASO therapeutic modality and neurodegenerative disease focus (e.g., tofersen for SOD1 ALS).
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
SciNeuro social profiles
Digital presenceSciNeuro financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SciNeuro leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
SciNeuro funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors8 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SciNeuro M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SciNeuro
What does SciNeuro do?
SciNeuro Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a portfolio of proprietary investigational therapeutics—small molecules, antibodies, and antisense oligonucleotides—for neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and ALS. The pipeline is built around three mechanistic pillars (neurovascular inflammation, proteinopathy, and immune response) and is enabled by a proprietary modular blood-brain barrier (BBB) shuttle platform (SNP837) designed to enhance deep brain delivery of therapeutic cargo across modalities.
Is SciNeuro a public or private company?
SciNeuro is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was SciNeuro founded?
SciNeuro was founded in 2020. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is SciNeuro based?
SciNeuro is headquartered in Rockville, United States, in the North America region.
How does SciNeuro make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Licensing and Collaboration Agreements are the primary driver. The others are non-Dilutive Research Grants and equity Financing.
Who are SciNeuro's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Denali Therapeutics, Alector, Prothena, Voyager Therapeutics, Anavex Life Sciences and Cassava Sciences. Emerging players are Coya Therapeutics and Wave Life Sciences. Broad incumbents are Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and Ionis Pharmaceuticals.
Does SciNeuro have an API?
No public API is recorded for SciNeuro.
What industry is SciNeuro in?
SciNeuro's product category is Neurodegenerative Disease Therapeutics (CNS Biopharmaceuticals). Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAIACAC, Neurology & CNS Specialty Pharmaceuticals, with a secondary code of HLAIAAAF, Neurology & Psychiatry (CNS) Pharmaceuticals. Its NAICS code is 541714 and its SIC code is 2834.