Unique Mechanism

Our small molecule conjugate is too large to enter synaptic clefts and small enough to exclusively block extrasynaptic NMDARs implicated in disease.

Pathology-Specific

NexiM and NexiK modulate “bad” receptors without interfering with normal neurotransmission.

Rationally engineered from FDA-approved components for superior therapeutic index, with validated safety and efficacy in early small mammal trials.

Precise, Safe & Durable

Publications

Our founding scientists have been cited tens of thousands of times across publications including Nature, Journal of Neuroscience, Drug Discovery Today, Nano, and many more.

Read about some of our foundational publications below.

Oligomerized amyloid-β drives neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s by overstimulating extrasynaptic NMDA receptors (eNMDARs), which trigger excessive nitric-oxide signaling and toxic protein modifications.

Our work identifies eNMDARs as the key mediator of Aβ-induced synaptic damage, highlighting a precise therapeutic target to reduce nitrosative stress and preserve neuronal function.

We developed AuM, a first-in-class hybrid nanodrug that selectively blocks extrasynaptic NMDA receptors (eNMDARs)—the pathological drivers of neurodegeneration—while preserving normal synaptic signaling. By coupling memantine to gold nanoparticles, AuM achieves targeted neuroprotection against excitotoxicity and amyloid-induced damage, offering a novel, spatially precise strategy for treating Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders.

Non-genetic neuromodulation with graphene optoelectronic actuators for disease models, stem cell maturation, and biohybrid robotics

Nature Communications, volume 16, 7499

Nanostructured Antagonist of Extrasynaptic NMDA Receptors
Nano Letters volume 16(9): 5495-502.

Differential Effects of Synaptic and Extrasynaptic NMDA Receptors on Aβ-Induced Nitric Oxide Production in Cerebrocortical Neurons

Journal of Neuroscience volume 34 (14): 5023-5028

The Graphene-Mediated Optical Stimulation (GraMOS) platform uses graphene’s light-to-electric conversion to precisely and non-invasively control neuronal activity—without genetic modification. By enhancing neural maturation, revealing disease phenotypes, and even driving robotic control from brain organoids, GraMOS establishes a breakthrough interface for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and bio-integrated robotics.