At a Glance
- Company: Rapport Therapeutics (NASDAQ: RAPP); Tenacia Biotechnology
- Location: Boston, US; Shanghai, China
- Deal value: $20M upfront; up to $308M milestones + royalties
- Focus area: RAP-219 for focal onset seizures (FOS)
- Next steps: Global Phase 3 launch Q2 2026; China sites by Tenacia
What happened?
Rapport Therapeutics entered a strategic collaboration with Tenacia Biotechnology on 9 March 2026, granting Tenacia exclusive rights to develop and commercialise RAP-219 in Greater China (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan). Rapport receives $20 million upfront to support global Phase 3 trials, plus up to $308 million in milestones and tiered royalties in mid-single to mid-teens.
Why does it matter?
RAP-219, a TARPγ8-specific AMPA receptor NAM, showed significant reductions in focal onset seizures (FOS) in Phase 2a, addressing unmet needs in drug-resistant epilepsy. The non-dilutive funding extends Rapport’s runway, accelerates global development via Chinese sites and validates regional co-development models for CNS assets amid China’s growing epilepsy market.
Who’s behind it?
Rapport develops precision neuroscience small molecules via its RAP platform targeting brain-specific receptors. Tenacia specialises in CNS therapeutics for underserved neurological disorders. Rapport retains ex-China rights; prior FDA hold lifted post-Phase 2a success.
How was it achieved?
Deal leverages Tenacia’s CNS expertise and investigator network for China Phase 3 sites, speeding enrolment in two global FOS registrational trials. RAP-219’s precision spares hindbrain side effects, with Phase 2a data showing objective biomarker and clinical seizure reductions.
What’s next?
Phase 3 FOS programme starts Q2 2026; evaluate bipolar mania, primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures. Tenacia leads China efforts, potentially expanding to other indications. Rapport eyes further partnerships for pipeline expansion.
What are people saying?
Rapport CEO Abraham Ceesay: “Non-dilutive capital… accelerate RAP-219 while maintaining disciplined strategy.” Tenacia CEO Xiaoxiang Chen: “Highly differentiated… address unmet need in epilepsy and bipolar.”