Our Mission & Meaning

A clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing disease-modifying, small molecule drugs for neurodegenerative and other neurological disorders.

Who We Are

Our company was co-founded in 2005 by Dr. Frank Longo, a neurologist and neuroscientist who chaired the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences at Stanford University and by Anne Chun Longo, who served as senior director of development for neurosciences at Stanford University.

We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing disease-modifying, small molecule, oral drugs that target the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative and other neurological disorders. Our primary goal is to promote neurological health through “synaptic resilience,” specifically by modulating neurotrophin receptors expressed by neurons and immune cells.

Our core technology revolves around targeting neurotrophin receptors — specifically the p75, TrkB, and TrkC receptors — which regulate signaling networks that influence whether neurons and their synapses survive or degenerate, as well as immune cell functions. Our lead candidate, LM11A-31, targets the p75 receptor and has shown disease modification and efficacy in preclinical models of Alzheimer’s, other tauopathies, HIV dementia, Huntington’s disease, and several other conditions. In addition, LM11A-31 has shown considerable promise in a Phase 2a Alzheimer’s disease clinical trial. A key advantage of LM11A-31 is its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier when administered orally as a simple pill, a critical property for the treatment of brain diseases.

Our Philosophy
“The fundamental cause of memory loss isn’t only the buildup of protein, it’s the destruction of the synapses that let us think, learn, and remember.”
Dr. Frank M. Longo, Founder & Chairman
Our Approach

A new approach is needed in Alzheimer’s and other neurological conditions to provide innovative and accessible treatment solutions applicable to a large population.

Synapses hold the wiring.

While most current Alzheimer’s therapeutic strategies target amyloid, the fundamental cause of memory loss and other cognitive symptoms is the destruction of synapses, the vital connections between brain cells that allow us to think, learn, and remember. When these connections break, the wiring of the brain fails, leading to cognitive decline.

Some brains resist disease.

Evidence of natural brain resilience suggests a solution. In rare cases, certain individuals maintain normal memory and thinking skills even though their brains are filled with amyloids. These people have a natural synaptic resilience, the biology of their brain connections is strong enough to resist the effects of disease.

LM11A-31 replicates that protection.

PharmatrophiX has a lead candidate, LM11A-31, that has shown clinical promise to replicate this rare natural protection and make it available to the millions of people impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and potentially several other forms of dementia.

Since 2005

Two decades of focus, one mission.

How we’ve advanced

From UCSF and UNC neurology labs to a Phase 3-cleared therapy, our pipeline has matured one peer-reviewed milestone at a time.

2005

Founded at UNC

Dr. Frank Longo spins out a decade of receptor-biology research into PharmatrophiX.

2010

First IND filed

Investigational New Drug application filed with the FDA for LM11A-31.

2015 – 17

Phase 1 and 1b trials completed

Safety and pharmacokinetic profile of LM11A-31 established in human subjects.

2018 – 20

Phase 2a trials completed

Multi-country European study in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s patients.

2024

Nature Medicine

Phase 2a safety and biomarker results published, peer-reviewed.

2026

Indication of late phase clinical trials

Patient Resources

Resources for patients and families.

We hope these organizations provide additional information and support for those navigating Alzheimer’s, progressive supranuclear palsy, and other neurodegenerative conditions.

Alzheimer’s · Drug Discovery

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation

A prominent New York–based nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the development of drugs to prevent, treat, and cure Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Visit alzdiscovery.org →
Alzheimer’s · Care & Advocacy

Alzheimer’s Association

The leading voluntary health organization dedicated to ending Alzheimer’s and all other dementia through accelerating research, maximizing care and support, and advocating for public policy.

Visit alz.org →
Alzheimer’s · Policy & Action

UsAgainstAlzheimer’s

A national advocacy organization mobilizing individuals, communities, and policymakers to end Alzheimer’s. Founded in 2010, the group emphasizes urgent political action and systemic change.

Visit usagainstalzheimers.org →
PSP · CBD · MSA

CurePSP

The leading nonprofit dedicated to supporting patients and accelerating research for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and multiple system atrophy (MSA).

Visit psp.org →
Huntington's · Support & Research

Huntington's Disease Society of America

The Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by Huntington's disease (HD). Founded in 1967, it serves as a leading source of support, education, and research funding for the HD community.

Visit hdsa.org →