Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Sherwood, Oregon, U.S., October 7, 2026
AmyriAD Therapeutics B.V., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on improving cognitive function in central nervous system (CNS) disorders, has announced the acquisition of Recognify Life Sciences, Inc., expanding its clinical-stage pipeline with RL-007 (inidascamine), an investigational oral compound being developed for cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS) and Alzheimer’s disease. The acquisition strengthens AmyriAD’s position in the emerging field of cognition-focused therapeutics while maintaining ismidenon (AD-101) as its lead program for Alzheimer’s disease. Under the agreement, Recognify’s shareholders, including atai Life Sciences, Catalio Capital Management and Sudhoff Family Office, will become shareholders of AmyriAD through an equity-based transaction with additional consideration tied to future development milestones.
RL-007 Adds a Differentiated Cognition-Focused Therapy
RL-007 (inidascamine) is an orally administered, first-in-class investigational small molecule designed to improve cognitive function by modulating cholinergic, glutamatergic and GABA-B receptor signaling. These pathways contribute to the regulation of excitatory and inhibitory signaling in the brain, which plays an important role in learning, memory, attention and information processing. The compound is being investigated as a potential treatment for cognitive impairment across multiple CNS disorders, including schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. According to the companies, RL-007 has been studied in approximately 500 subjects across its clinical development program and has demonstrated a consistent safety and tolerability profile. In its most recent Phase 2b study, the compound showed no evidence of sedation, weight gain or extrapyramidal symptoms, safety considerations that are particularly relevant in the development of therapies for patients with psychiatric and neurological disorders. The acquisition provides AmyriAD with an additional clinical-stage asset and an opportunity to apply its existing CNS development expertise to a second cognition-focused program.
Phase 2b Findings Guide Future Clinical Development
RL-007 has completed Phase 2a and Phase 2b clinical studies in cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. In the Phase 2b study involving 242 participants, the investigational treatment did not achieve statistical significance on the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) neurocognitive composite at Week 6. However, numerical improvements were observed in several cognitive domains, including symbol coding, processing speed and verbal learning. The study also showed directionally positive effects on functional capacity, assessed using the Virtual Reality Functional Capacity Assessment Tool (VRFCAT). Although these findings do not establish clinical efficacy, they provide information that may help guide subsequent development. AmyriAD plans to build on the observed signals by refining the formulation, optimizing drug exposure and improving clinical trial design, with greater emphasis on the cognitive domains in which numerical improvements were observed. The company is also completing an ongoing pharmacokinetic study initiated by Recognify, with results expected in the first half of 2027. These data are expected to inform decisions regarding the reformulated product and the design of future clinical studies.
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AmyriAD Plans Development in Schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s
Following the acquisition, AmyriAD intends to advance RL-007 through a focused development strategy targeting significant unmet needs in cognitive health. In schizophrenia, cognitive impairment affects an estimated more than 80% of approximately 24 million people worldwide living with the condition, according to the company’s announcement. Despite its substantial impact on daily functioning and quality of life, there are no approved therapies specifically indicated to treat the cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. AmyriAD plans to use the earlier clinical findings to refine the program and determine the next steps for development in CIAS. The company also intends to explore RL-007 in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease, with a Phase 2 study planned for 2027 or 2028. This initiative will complement the development of ismidenon, AmyriAD’s lead Alzheimer’s disease candidate, which is being investigated as a symptomatic treatment for cognitive impairment alongside standard care, with a Phase 2b study planned to begin dosing in 2027. By combining its existing clinical infrastructure, investigator network and regulatory experience with the acquired program, AmyriAD aims to build a broader portfolio of cognition-focused treatments. While future clinical outcomes remain uncertain, the acquisition represents a strategic expansion of the company’s research and development capabilities in CNS disorders.
Source: AmyriAD Therapeutics press release
