CoCensys

CoCensys was a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule drugs for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The company's research was primarily centered on neuroactive steroids, which they termed "epalons," designed to modulate the GABA-A receptor complex. Additionally, CoCensys developed subtype-selective NMDA receptor antagonists for neurodegenerative conditions and acute brain injury. Their lead product candidate, ganaxolone, was evaluated in clinical trials for epilepsy and migraine. The company was acquired by Purdue Pharma in 1999, and its lead asset ganaxolone was eventually licensed to Marinus Pharmaceuticals.