Xenon Pharmaceuticals
Xenon Pharmaceuticals is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapeutics for neurological and psychiatric disorders, with a strong focus on ion channel drug discovery.
Company Overview
Xenon Pharmaceuticals is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative therapeutics to improve the lives of people dealing with neurological and psychiatric disorders. The company focuses on human channelopathies, particularly in the realm of small molecule ion channel drug discovery. It aims to address high unmet medical needs with a strong pipeline of products targeting conditions like epilepsy and depression.
Lead Molecule Azetukalner
Xenon Pharmaceuticals' lead molecule, azetukalner, is a novel and potent Kv7 potassium channel opener. It is currently being developed for the treatment of epilepsy, major depressive disorder, and potentially other neurological conditions. Azetukalner is the focus of ongoing Phase 3 clinical trials, including X-TOLE2 and X-TOLE3 for focal onset seizures, and X-ACKT for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. A Phase 3 program for azetukalner in major depressive disorder is planned for launch in the second half of 2024.
Product Pipeline and Clinical Trials
Xenon Pharmaceuticals is advancing an innovative product pipeline, primarily targeting neurological and psychiatric disorders with significant unmet medical needs. Clinical trials for their lead molecule, azetukalner, are in advanced stages, with Phase 3 trials such as X-TOLE2 and X-TOLE3 for focal onset seizures and X-ACKT for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Additionally, the company collaborates with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai on an investigator-sponsored Phase 2 proof-of-concept study for major depressive disorder.
Collaborations and Preclinical Programs
Xenon Pharmaceuticals collaborates with Neurocrine Biosciences to develop epilepsy treatments, including the clinical stage selective Nav1.6 sodium channel inhibitor NBI-921352. The company’s preclinical programs focus on the development of promising drug candidates targeting sodium and potassium channels, with immediate attention on Kv7, Nav1.1, and Nav1.7 channels. These partnerships and preclinical initiatives aim to expand the therapeutic options available for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Headquarters
Xenon Pharmaceuticals is headquartered at 3650 Gilmore Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4W8, Canada. The company's central location supports its strategic initiatives in drug discovery and clinical development within the biopharmaceutical industry.