RESTORING BRAIN FUNCTION

We harness the power of neuroplasticity

Potent, rapid-acting and long-lasting therapeutic effect without hallucinations – Kasvu develops first and best-in-class small molecule TrkB positive allosteric modulators as neuroplastogen treatments for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.

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Effective treatment of mental health disorders is a huge global challenge

970 million people around the world live with a mental health disorder. Depression is a major public health challenge affecting affecting over 300 million people worldwide. Depression significantly reduces the quality of life of those affected, and can cause difficulties in all areas of daily life including social relationships, academic performance and productivity at work. People with depression are also at an increased risk of suicide, which claims more than 720,000 lives every year.

Delivering a simple medical solution

Built on the recent groundbreaking scientific findings and already moving towards clinical trials with novel candidates – we are developing potentially life-changing treatments that address the highest medical needs.

Our lead program KTX-0141 is a potent and highly selective TrkB PAM designed to have rapid and long-lasting effects in depression and other neuropsychiatric conditions and also to improve neurodenegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Breakthrough medical discovery

Improving neuroplasticity and cognitive function, our mission is to develop safe and effective treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

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    Effective

    Fast-acting medicine with single dose

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    Sustainable

    Long-lasting effect without hallucinations

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    Broad therapeutic potential

    Suitable for treating a wide range of conditions where neuronal connectivity and brain function is altered

The potential to improve outcomes for patients, healthcare systems and society

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    Patient

    An oral, non-hallucinogenic medicine could ultimately support convenient at-home administration, reducing the need for supervised, in-clinic treatment.

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    Healthcare system

    A more accessible treatment approach could reduce the infrastructure, monitoring and healthcare resources required by some current rapid-acting therapies.

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    Society

    Kasvu's compounds are designed to promote neuroplasticity without engaging 5-HT2A, the receptor responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of psychedelics.

Platform & Pipeline

Kasvu was founded based on pioneering research at the University of Helsinki, and is backed by over 30 years of basic science and 34,000+ publications

Our solution

First and best-in-class neuroplastogens for the treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.

Our unique approach

Our proprietary 3D model of the TrkB dimer has enabled the identification of a novel binding site for small-molecule positive allosteric modulators that promote neuroplasticity and are being optimised for clinical development.

Specificity to remove side effects

The molecules specifically engage TrkB, and are designed to directly enhance the neuroplasticity pathways associated with the rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects of psychedelics, but without engaging 5-HT2A, the serotonin receptor responsible for their hallucinogenic effects.

A research chart showing the progression of studies related to a drug targeting TrkB PAM. It details three programs: one for Major Depressive Disorder, one for Neurodegeneration, and one for Obesity, with statuses listed as ongoing or in studies.

KTX-0141

KTX-0141 is a novel, potent and highly selective small-molecule TrkB PAM drug candidate. It has demonstrated robust neuroplasticity, strong CNS penetration and drug-like properties in preclinical studies, without evidence of hallucinogenic activity in industry standard models. The programme is advancing through IND/CTA-enabling studies, with clinical development planned to begin in the second half of 2027 in major depressive disorder.

Moliner R, et al. Psychedelics promote plasticity by directly binding to BDNF receptor TrkB. Nat Neurosci. 2023;26:1032-1041

Industry and investment opportunities

Our treatment is solving some of the biggest unmet needs in the society and has the potential to improve the life of millions worldwide. 

Contact our team and join us to deliver solutions for some of the greatest and most urgent medical challenges.