Rapport Therapeutics

Rapport Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical/biotechnology company developing small molecule product candidates for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Its approach is based on receptor-associated proteins (RAPs) — proteins that assemble with neuronal receptor complexes and regulate receptor expression and function. Because certain RAPs are expressed only in discrete brain regions or neural circuits, the company states that targeting them can produce drugs specific to receptor variants and brain regions associated with disease, in contrast to most neuroscience drugs, which bind target receptors throughout the brain and can cause intolerable side effects [2][6][7].

The company's lead program, RAP-219, is a clinical-stage small molecule that selectively targets TARPγ8, a RAP associated with the neuronal AMPA receptor (AMPAR), a clinically validated target in epilepsy. TARPγ8 expression is enriched in the hippocampus and also present in the amygdala and cortex, which the company argues supports a differentiated profile of improved activity, tolerability and therapeutic index. Beyond focal onset seizures, RAP-219 is being evaluated for peripheral neuropathic pain and bipolar disorder, rationales the company links to TARPγ8 expression in the anterior cingulate cortex and dorsal horn of the spinal cord, preclinical third-party pain model activity, and imaging findings of hippocampal hyperactivity in bipolar disorder [3].

Rapport also has two advanced discovery-stage nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) programs derived from the RAP platform: modulators of α6 nAChRs for chronic pain, and modulators of α9α10 nAChRs for hearing disorders [3].

Founding story

Rapport was created through a collaboration between Johnson & Johnson's strategic venture arm, JJDC, and Third Rock Ventures, and was built around a discovery platform from J&J's Janssen division that uses genomics, protein science and brain imaging technologies to identify novel RAPs. Founding scientific members include molecular neuroscientist David Bredt, who spent a decade at J&J leading its neuroscience discovery work. The company states its founders uncovered the detailed workings of brain receptor complexes and RAP function and structure, discoveries that form the basis of its platform, which was built and refined over roughly a decade by the founding scientific team [2][6][7].

Business model

Biopharmaceutical research and development: the company discovers and develops proprietary small molecule product candidates for CNS indications, funded to date by venture and crossover investment. Management has said partnerships may bring value when appropriate but that there are no immediate plans for deals [6][7].

Traction

The lead seizure-disorder program entered Phase 1 clinical studies as of August 2023, and RAP-219 is described on the company's pipeline page as a clinical-stage small molecule being evaluated in focal onset seizures, peripheral neuropathic pain and bipolar disorder. Two nAChR programs are at advanced discovery stage. The company raised $250 million across its Series A and Series B rounds [3][5][6][7].

Latest developments

The most recent dated developments in the sources are the August 23, 2023 $150 million Series B financing led by Cormorant Asset Management with the additions of Raymond Kelleher and James Healy to the board. The company's careers page references a 2024 all-company offsite and ongoing hiring [4][5][6].