Cortexa Therapeutics Advances Target Validation as Phase 1b and Phase 2 Research Progress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cortexa Therapeutics Advances Target Validation as Phase 1b and Phase 2 Research Progress

Phoenix, Arizona – February 16, 2026 – Cortexa Therapeutics, Inc. today announced significant progress in its scientific validation roadmap, with Phase 1b and Phase 2 studies currently underway in collaboration with its contract research organization (CRO) partner in Scotland.

These phases represent a critical advancement in validating Cortexa’s biological target and strengthening the mechanistic foundation behind its proprietary therapeutic approach. Both phases are expected to conclude early next month, with data anticipated shortly thereafter.

Strengthening Scientific Rigor Through RNA Sequencing

During Phase 1a, the company encountered unexpected degradation of housekeeping genes used for qPCR normalization. Rather than advancing data with potential limitations, Cortexa upgraded its methodology to RNA sequencing for Phase 1b.

This transition enables:

• Elimination of dependence on unstable housekeeping genes

• Unbiased, comprehensive transcriptomic profiling

• Quantification of receptor subunit expression

• Evaluation of editing and regulatory pathways

• Increased statistical robustness and publishability

The adoption of RNA sequencing significantly enhances the scientific integrity, reproducibility, and credibility of Cortexa’s validation dataset.

Moving From RNA Insight to Functional Protein Quantification

While RNA expression offers important biological insight, protein quantification defines functional relevance.

Phase 2 focuses on:

• Quantifying receptor protein levels

• Measuring receptor subunit composition

• Establishing ratios between calcium-permeable and calcium-impermeable receptor populations (AMPA vs. NMDA)

These receptor ratios are foundational to Cortexa’s mechanistic framework. By quantifying receptor imbalance, the company aims to transition from conceptual narrative to measurable biological dysfunction — creating a data-driven backbone for:

• Fundraising initiatives

• Strategic partnership discussions

• Scientific publication

• IND-enabling positioning

“If receptor imbalance can be quantified, it can be rationally targeted,” said Nathan Cole, Founder of Cortexa Therapeutics. “Our current work is about building that quantifiable foundation.”

Research Spotlight: Sex Biology in ALS

Cortexa also highlights emerging scientific literature underscoring the importance of sex biology in neurodegenerative disease. A 2024 review in Ageing Research Reviews (Zamani et al., 2024) emphasizes that:

• Sex differences influence ALS incidence, progression, and pathology

• Gonadal hormones such as estrogen and testosterone contribute to disease heterogeneity

• Hormonal signaling intersects with neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal vulnerability

• Sex-specific biology should inform both research design and therapeutic development

These insights expand the broader mechanistic framework of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and reinforce the importance of studying upstream modulators of neuronal resilience.

What Comes Next

Upon completion of Phases 1b and 2, Cortexa will:

• Integrate transcriptomic and protein datasets

• Refine its mechanistic disease model

• Prepare materials for scientific publication

• Advance investor outreach efforts

• Progress toward compound validation phases

With mechanistic validation underway at both RNA and protein levels, Cortexa is building a publishable, quantitative foundation to support its therapeutic thesis and upcoming growth initiatives.

“The foundation is being built now,” Cole added. “We look forward to sharing results soon.”

About Cortexa Therapeutics, Inc.
Cortexa Therapeutics, Inc. is a neuroscience-focused biotechnology company dedicated to advancing mechanistic insights and rational therapeutic development in neurodegenerative disease.

Media Contact:
Nathan Cole
Cortexa Therapeutics, Inc.
4435 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 200
Phoenix, Arizona, USA

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