Scientific Foundation
Synap Biotech's therapeutic strategy is built upon decades of peer-reviewed neuroscience research. Our platform integrates three complementary scientific pillars: validated biology, advances in intranasal CNS delivery, and a significant unmet need for therapies that improve neurological recovery. Together, these pillars provide the scientific foundation for our development of intranasal multispecific VHH therapeutics.
Validated Biology
Nogo-A is one of the most extensively studied inhibitors of neuroplasticity and axonal regeneration within the central nervous system. Decades of preclinical research have demonstrated that inhibiting Nogo-A can enhance neurological recovery following stroke and other CNS injuries, providing a strong biological rationale for Synap's therapeutic strategy.
Preclinical Evidence of Nogo-A Inhibition in Stroke Recovery: A Scoping Review
Lima J.E.E., Rengarajan S., et al. (Maarten G. Lansberg, Senior Author)
Stroke, 2025
Comprehensive scoping review of 30 preclinical studies evaluating Nogo/NgR1 inhibition for stroke recovery. Approximately 90% of studies demonstrated improved neurological outcomes, providing strong translational support for Nogo-A inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to enhance post-stroke recovery
Anti-Nogo-A Antibody Infusion Improves Functional Recovery and Corticospinal Plasticity After Experimental Stroke
Wiessner C., et al.
Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism, 2003
Landmark preclinical study demonstrating that anti-Nogo-A antibody treatment, initiated 24 hours after experimental stroke, significantly improved functional recovery and enhanced corticospinal plasticity without reducing infarct size, providing early evidence that Nogo-A inhibition promotes neurological repair through neuroplasticity rather than neuroprotection.
Intrathecal Treatment with Anti-Nogo-A Antibody Improves Functional Recovery in Adult Rats After Stroke
Tsai S.-Y., et al.
Experimental Brain Research, 2007
Demonstrated that intrathecal administration of anti-Nogo-A antibody one week after experimental stroke penetrated the central nervous system and significantly improved functional recovery. The study provided important translational evidence supporting clinically feasible delivery of anti-Nogo-A immunotherapy for stroke recovery.
Therapeutics Targeting Nogo-A Hold Promise for Stroke Restoration
Prateek Kumar, Lawrence D.F. Moon
CNS & Neurological Disorders – Drug Targets, 2013 (Review)
Comprehensive review of the preclinical evidence supporting Nogo-A inhibition as a neurorestorative therapy for stroke. The authors conclude that anti-Nogo-A antibodies consistently promote functional recovery through enhanced neuroplasticity and axonal remodeling, and highlight their potential to complement rehabilitation in improving post-stroke outcomes.
Intranasal CNS Delivery
Intranasal Delivery of Full-Length Anti-Nogo-A Antibody: A Potential Alternative Route for Therapeutic Antibodies to Central Nervous System Targets
Correa D., et al.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), 2023
Demonstrated that intranasally administered full-length anti-Nogo-A antibodies reached the brain and spinal cord in rodents and enhanced functional recovery following experimental stroke, supporting intranasal delivery as a promising non-invasive approach for CNS antibody therapeutics.
Nasal Administration of Anti-CD3 Monoclonal Antibody Ameliorates Disease in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Lopes JR, Zhang X, Mayrink J, et al.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), 2023
Demonstrated that intranasally administered anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody reduced neuroinflammation and improved cognition in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, supporting the potential of intranasal antibody delivery to the central nervous system.
Intranasal Delivery Bypasses the Blood-Brain Barrier to Target Therapeutic Agents to the Central Nervous System
Hanson LR, Frey WH II
BMC Neuroscience, 2008 (Review)
Seminal review describing the biological mechanisms by which intranasal therapeutics bypass the blood-brain barrier via the olfactory and trigeminal pathways, establishing intranasal delivery as a promising non-invasive strategy for targeting the central nervous system
Delivering biologics to the brain has historically been one of the greatest challenges in neuroscience drug development. Growing evidence supports intranasal administration as a promising non-invasive strategy for delivering therapeutic agents directly to the central nervous system while bypassing the blood-brain barrier.
Unmet Clinical Need
Stroke Burden
Approximately
800,000
new strokes each year in the United States.
Long-Term Disability
Approximately
70–75%
of stroke survivors experience persistent neurological impairment.
Current Standard of Care
Acute interventions save lives.
Rehabilitation improves adaptation.
No approved therapy directly promotes neurological repair.
Market Opportunity
Stroke recovery represents
a multi-billion-dollar opportunity with substantial unmet medical need.
(Supported by CDC, American Stroke Association, World Stroke Organization.)
Stroke remains one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide. While advances in acute care have significantly improved survival, there are currently no approved therapies specifically designed to enhance neurological recovery by promoting brain repair.
Why This Matters
Synap Biotech combines validated biology, innovative intranasal delivery, and a multispecific VHH platform to address one of the largest unmet needs in neurology: improving recovery after stroke.