Aelis Farma

Aelis Farma, established in 2013, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on pathologies of the central nervous system. The company was founded by Dr. Pier Vincenzo Piazza, a physician, psychiatrist, and neurobiologist with a specialization in addictology. His extensive research career, including his time as director of the Neurocentre Magendie at INSERM in Bordeaux, led to the discovery of a natural brain defense mechanism. This discovery forms the scientific basis of Aelis Farma's therapeutic approach.

The company is pioneering a new pharmacological class known as Signaling Specific inhibitors of the CB1 receptor (CB1-SSi). This approach targets the endocannabinoid system, which is implicated in numerous brain disorders. Unlike previous attempts to modulate this system that caused significant side effects, Aelis Farma's technology is designed to only inhibit the specific hyperactive signals of the CB1 receptor related to a disease state, while preserving its normal physiological activity. The company's business model revolves around the research, clinical development, and eventual commercialization of these proprietary drug candidates. Revenue generation is anticipated through partnerships and licensing agreements, such as the exclusive option license agreement with Indivior PLC for its lead candidate.

Aelis Farma's pipeline features two primary drug candidates in clinical development. AEF0117 is being developed to treat disorders stemming from excessive cannabis use, such as addiction. AEF0217 is aimed at treating cognitive deficits, including those associated with Down syndrome (Trisomy 21). The company leverages its proprietary screening platform to continually discover new CB1-SSi drug candidates, exploring their potential for a wide range of other diseases, including metabolic disorders like obesity. A significant milestone was the company's initial public offering on the Euronext Paris on February 18, 2022, which raised approximately €25 million to advance its clinical programs.

Keywords: biopharmaceutical, CB1 receptor inhibitor, CNS disorders, neuropharmacology, clinical-stage, endocannabinoid system, brain diseases, Pier Vincenzo Piazza, AEF0117, cannabis use disorder, AEF0217, cognitive deficits, Down syndrome, INSERM, drug discovery, neurotherapeutics, psychiatric disorders, addiction treatment, Euronext Paris, CB1-SSi, neurobiology