Tortugas Neuroscience launched quietly on Tuesday with $106 million to support a portfolio of four licensed drugs currently in clinical development targeting various central nervous system indications.
Based in Framingham, Massachusetts, Tortugas is focusing on neuroscientific targets validated by existing approved drugs. The startup aims to differentiate itself by offering advantages such as less frequent dosing; all its medications are designed to be taken as once-daily pills, a convenience compared to some neuromedicines that require multiple daily doses. In addition to improved drug properties, the company has stated that its molecules present expansion potential to other indications.
The two most advanced drugs from Tortugas stem from the pharmaceutical group Hansoh. TRTL-107 is in Phase 2 development for schizophrenia and acts as a partial agonist of dopamine receptors D2 and D3, in addition to being an antagonist of 5-HT2A. While existing antipsychotics target these pathways, TRTL-107 aims to address them with a single molecule.
The second drug from Hansoh, TRTL-913, is a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor. Medications in this class are typically used to treat conditions such as seizures, anxiety, and muscle spasms. Tortugas is developing TRTL-913 for tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing or buzzing in the ears that is not caused by external sound. Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications for tinnitus, though clinicians sometimes prescribe off-label therapies for management.
The two other drugs in Tortugas’ clinical pipeline are sourced from Eisai. TRTL-729 is a non-competitive inhibitor of GAT-1, being developed for focal epilepsy, while TRTL-118 is a PDE9 inhibitor being explored for reversible encephalopathies. Additionally, Tortugas has reported a fifth program in the discovery phase targeting a confidential indication.
“We believe each of our programs is well-positioned to differentiate in the market,” stated CEO Jeff Jonas in a prepared statement. “Tortugas has organized its portfolio of innovative therapeutic products that exhibit strong clinical differentiation potential and aim to reach specific patient markets.”
Both Jonas and Tortugas’ President and Head of R&D, Al Robichaud, are former leaders at the neuroscience developer Sage Therapeutics. In collaboration with Biogen, Sage’s Zurzuvae became the first FDA-approved oral medication for postpartum depression, although this medication failed in studies for major depressive disorder, an indication with greater revenue growth potential. Following Sage’s exploration of strategic alternatives, the company was acquired by Supernus Pharmaceuticals last year.
The $106 million designated for Tortugas encompasses both a seed round and a Series A financing. Cure Ventures, where both Jonas and Robichaud are partners, led the seed round for the startup. Cure Ventures is also co-leading the Series A round alongside The Column Group and AN Venture Partners. Tortugas has indicated that this funding will support ongoing research and development, including the completion of Phase 2 trials for its schizophrenia and tinnitus drugs.
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