Mentara Therapeutics, a new neuropsychiatry company backed by SPRIM Global Investments, has launched with the acquisition of EM-221, now MTA-304, from EuMentis Therapeutics.
MTA-304 is a highly selective, second-generation PDE10A inhibitor, and Mentara will take it into a phase 2 study in levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) starting in the first half of 2027.
PDE10A is an enzyme found almost exclusively in the striatum, the brain region where levodopa-induced dyskinesia originates. By blocking it, MTA-304 is designed to rebalance the striatal signalling pathways that levodopa overstimulates, reducing dyskinesia without weakening levodopa’s benefit.
Levodopa is still the most effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease. However, 40 to 50% of patients on long-term therapy develop dyskinesia (involuntary, uncontrolled movements) within four to six years. Treatment options are limited, and amantadine extended release (ER) is currently the only FDA-approved therapy for LID. Amantadine ER’s side effects, such as hallucinations, dizziness and swelling, can limit its use, so patients and doctors are often forced to choose between controlling Parkinson’s symptoms and living with disabling dyskinesia.
MTA-304 has completed three phase 1 studies in 86 subjects, which showed a favourable safety and tolerability profile. In a non-human primate model of LID, MTA-304 reduced dyskinesia by 40% without reducing levodopa’s benefit. In a rat model, it outperformed amantadine.
“People with Parkinson’s shouldn’t have to trade symptom control for dyskinesia,” said Frank Stonebanks, CEO of Mentara Therapeutics.
“MTA-304 has a clean phase 1 package and strong preclinical data in LID. With a dedicated company and initial investors behind it, we can move quickly to answer the question that matters to patients in phase 2.”
Under the agreement, EuMentis shareholders will become shareholders in Mentara. Financial terms were not disclosed.