Insilico Medicine and Hygtia Therapeutics Partner to Develop Brain-Penetrant NLRP3 Inhibitor for CNS Diseases
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Insilico Medicine entered a global co-development collaboration with Hygtia Therapeutics to advance ISM8969, an oral and brain-penetrant NLRP3 inhibitor for central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
The NLRP3 inflammasome plays an important role in the body’s innate immune response. Abnormal activation of NLRP3 has been linked to neuroinflammation, which is increasingly associated with neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Despite its therapeutic potential, there are currently no approved treatments that directly and selectively target NLRP3.
ISM8969 was discovered and optimised using Insilico’s Chemistry42 generative chemistry platform. Preclinical studies have shown strong anti-inflammatory effects, a favourable safety profile and effective penetration of the blood–brain barrier, which is essential for treating diseases of the central nervous system. The compound has been evaluated across several neurological disease models and has been selected as a preclinical development candidate.
Under the agreement, Insilico will grant Hygtia Therapeutics 50% worldwide rights to research, develop, manufacture and commercialise ISM8969. In return, Insilico may receive up to USD 66 million in upfront and milestone payments, including an initial USD 10 million payment expected within 30 days of the agreement taking effect.
Insilico will lead the early stages of clinical development, including the IND submission and Phase 1 clinical trial, with an initial focus on Parkinson’s disease. Hygtia Therapeutics will take responsibility for later global clinical studies, regulatory filings and commercialisation.
The collaboration brings together Insilico’s AI-driven drug discovery capabilities and Hygtia Therapeutics’ experience in global clinical development and commercialisation.
Both companies aim to accelerate the progress of ISM8969 towards clinical use and address unmet needs in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases worldwide.
Source: insilico.com
