A Targeted Small Molecule Approach to Trigeminal Neuralgia

Developing DK-I-56-1, a differentiated GABA-A subtype-selective therapy designed to address the unmet need in trigeminal neuralgia.

Primary Indication: Trigeminal Neuralgia

Selective Mechanism: Rare GABA-A subtype targeting

Development Stage: Preclinical

Partnering Strategy: Milestone-driven value creation

Trigeminal Neuralgia

A severe neuropathic pain disorder affecting the trigeminal nerve, characterized by sudden, debilitating facial pain.

Sudden, Electric Pain

Episodes triggered by routine daily activities.

Severe Quality-of-Life Impact

Speaking, eating, and brushing teeth can trigger pain.

Referred to as the “Suicide Disease”

Reflecting extreme patient distress.

Current Treatment Landscape

No therapy approved by FDA for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Treatment relies on off-label anticonvulsants.

Carbamazepine as First-Line Standard

Often discontinued due to tolerability limitations.

Market Opportunity

1.5 B

Trigeminal Neuralgia TAM

Orphan neuropathic pain market

Current Treatment Landscape

Carbamazepine

  • First-line off-label anticonvulsant
  • Broad GABA modulation
  • Non-selective CNS activity
  • Established but imperfect efficacy

Tolerability & Discontinuation

  • Sedation and dizziness
  • Drug-drug interactions
  • High discontinuation rates

No therapy approved by FDA for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Significant unmet need for a selective, better-tolerated alternative.

The Asset

DK-I-56-1

DK-I-56-1

A novel small-molecule therapy designed to selectively modulate a rare GABA-A receptor subtype involved in trigeminal pain signaling.

  • Small-molecule neuromodulator
  • Targets a rare GABA-A receptor subtype
  • Designed for selective neural inhibition

Selective Targeting

Designed to act on a rare GABA-A subtype rather than broadly affecting CNS receptors.

Improved Tolerability Potential

Selective modulation may reduce sedation and CNS side effects associated with existing therapies.

Preclinical Evidence

Demonstrated activity in validated preclinical models of trigeminal pain.

Development Strategy

A focused path to clinical value creation.

Head-to-Head Preclinical Study

Comparing DK-I-56-1 directly against carbamazepine in validated trigeminal pain models.

Demonstrate Differentiation

Generate data supporting selective targeting and improved CNS tolerability.

Partner for Clinical Development

Advance toward licensing or strategic partnership following successful preclinical results.

Milestones and Use of Funds

The next value-creation phase.

600K Raise

Funding a focused preclinical validation program.

Head-to-Head Study

Execute preclinical comparison of DK-I-56-1 vs carbamazepine.

Data Generation

Establish differentiation in efficacy and tolerability.

Business Development

Engage potential pharmaceutical partners.

Value Inflection

Position the program for licensing or strategic partnership.

A clear partnering milestone.

Generating the data needed to support strategic collaboration.

Traction & Credibility

Early validation from industry and research partners.

Pharma Collaboration

Prior development partnership with a major pharmaceutical company.

CRO Continuity

The same CRO team that advanced the previous program remains engaged.

Partner Interest

Early conversations with potential pharmaceutical partners.

Positioned for strategic partnership.

Focused execution with experienced collaborators.

Leadership Team

Experienced scientists advancing targeted neurological therapeutics.

Portrait of Michael Hendrickson

Michael Hendrickson

18 years in neuroscience & drug development; former Director of Preclinical Development and VP of Operations.

Portrait of Joseph Beck

Joseph Beck, PhD

Neuroscientist and serial entrepreneur with three successful startups.

Portrait of Barry Steiglitz

Barry Steiglitz, PhD

18 years pre-clinical research, including serving as principal investigator.

Portrait of Alex Kasper

Alex Kasper

20 years of CFO experience, including 14 years in small pharmaceutical companies.

Proven track record in neuroscience ventures.

The team previously partnered a small-molecule asset to MapLight Therapeutics, contributing to $600M in fundraising and a $300M IPO.

Ready to explore the opportunity?

NeuroSolis is advancing a differentiated preclinical therapy for trigeminal neuralgia with expansion potential into migraine.

For investor inquiries, partnering discussions, or access to additional diligence materials, contact the NeuroSolis team below.

  • Investor Inquiries
  • Partnering Discussions
  • Request Data Room Access