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Encepheal Therapeutics

DefunctYC S19

Winston-Salem, US · Founded 2015 · 3 employees · 1 known investors

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EncepHeal develops small-molecule medications targeting the dopamine transporter to treat stimulant addiction, including cocaine and methamphetamine, for which no FDA-approved treatments currently exist. The company uses allosteric modulators designed to reduce drug cravings without the addictive potential of earlier dopamine-targeting approaches.

BiotechHealthtechTherapeuticsDrug discoveryUnited States of AmericaAmerica / Canada

Founders & leadership· Y Combinator alumni (S19)

Encepheal Therapeutics was founded in 2015 by Aaron Lazarus and Omeed Rahimi.

ALAaron Lazarus
Aaron LazarusCo Founder and Chief Executive Officer2015–2022Aaron Lazarus founded EncepHeal Therapeutics, a company developing medications for substance abuse treatment, and previously served as its CEO. He holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Wake Forest University.
OROmeed Rahimi
Omeed RahimiCo-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer2015–2022Omeed Rahimi holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and brings over a decade of experience in scientific research, pharmaceutical product development, and regulatory compliance across therapeutics, medical devices, and diagnostics.

Investors · 1

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Companies working in the same space as Encepheal Therapeutics.

Non-dilutive funding · 2 SBIR/STTR awards

Federal grants — no equity taken
AgencyPhaseYearAmount
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase I2020$339.6K
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase I2017$454.2K

Source: SBIR.gov award data (U.S. Small Business Administration). SBIR/STTR awards are competitive federal R&D grants and contracts — non-dilutive capital alongside any venture rounds above.

Legal entities · 1

corporate structure
Encepheal Therapeutics, Inc.

Frequently asked questions

What does Encepheal Therapeutics do?
EncepHeal develops small-molecule medications targeting the dopamine transporter to treat stimulant addiction, including cocaine and methamphetamine, for which no FDA-approved treatments currently exist. The company uses allosteric modulators designed to reduce drug cravings without the addictive potential of earlier dopamine-targeting approaches.
Who founded Encepheal Therapeutics?
Encepheal Therapeutics was founded by Aaron Lazarus, Omeed Rahimi in 2015.
Who are Encepheal Therapeutics's investors?
Encepheal Therapeutics's investors include Y Combinator.
Where is Encepheal Therapeutics headquartered?
Encepheal Therapeutics is headquartered in Winston-Salem, US.