MapLight Therapeutics

MapLight Therapeutics

Develops targeted brain-disorder therapeutics via platform

Overview

MapLightRx develops targeted brain disorder therapeutics by using a discovery platform that combines optogenetics, STARmap, and transcriptomics to identify malfunctioning neural circuits. Its lead compounds are in clinical trials for autism-related social deficits and Parkinson’s disease movement issues, with the goal of delivering safe, effective treatments that are more precise than traditional broad-spectrum drugs. The company differentiates itself by its proprietary, circuit-focused approach and its move away from generalized therapeutics toward therapies designed for specific brain circuits. Overall, MapLightRx aims to bring targeted, clinically safe brain therapies to market and improve outcomes for patients with Autism, Parkinson’s, and related disorders.

About MapLight Therapeutics

Simplify's Rating
Why MapLight Therapeutics is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Biotechnology

Healthcare

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Redwood City, California

Founded

2018

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Phase 2 ZEPHYR trial enrollment completed for ML-007C-MA in schizophrenia with Q3 2026 topline results.
  • Phase 2 IRIS trial for ML-004 in autism completed last patient visit with Q3 2026 data readout.
  • $453M cash funds operations through 2027 after $296.5M IPO in October 2025.

What critics are saying

  • ZEPHYR trial fails in Q3 2026, eliminating lead asset against Bristol Myers Squibb's Cobenfy.
  • $139M annual burn exhausts cash by mid-2027, forcing dilutive raises post-trial failures.
  • Chief Discovery Officer Kreitzer's 2026 share sale signals insider doubt before Q3 readouts.

What makes MapLight Therapeutics unique

  • MapLight's platform integrates optogenetics, STARmap, and transcriptomics to target misfiring brain circuits.
  • ML-007C-MA is novel M1/M4 muscarinic agonist with precision-matched antagonist offsetting peripheral effects.
  • SandboxAQ collaboration uses AI-driven GPCR modeling for first-in-class CNS therapies.

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Funding

Total Funding

$1.2B

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

8 Rounds

Post IPO Equity funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Post IPO Equity Funding Comparison
Coming Soon

Benefits

401(k) Retirement Plan

Stock Options

Flexible non-accrual paid time off

Parental Leave

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D

Short Term and Long Term Disability

Stock Price

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

2%

1 year growth

-2%

2 year growth

0%
The Associated Press
Mar 26th, 2026
MapLight Therapeutics ends 2025 with $453M, expects Phase 2 schizophrenia trial results in Q3 2026

MapLight Therapeutics reported its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results, ending the year with $453.1 million in cash, cash equivalents and investments, expected to fund operations through 2027. The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company expects its Phase 2 ZEPHYR trial of ML-007C-MA for schizophrenia to reach target enrollment of 300 participants in April 2026, with topline results in the third quarter. The Phase 2 IRIS trial for ML-004 in autism spectrum disorder has completed enrollment, with results also expected in the third quarter of 2026. ML-007C-MA received FDA Fast Track designation for Alzheimer's disease psychosis, with Phase 2 VISTA trial results expected in the second half of 2027. MapLight expanded its pipeline with ML-055, a next-generation muscarinic agonist programme, targeting candidate nomination in 2026.

Clival Private Limited
Dec 19th, 2025
SandboxAQ and MapLight Therapeutics Team Up to Develop First-in-Class CNS Therapies

SandboxAQ and MapLight Therapeutics team up to develop first-in-class CNS therapies. SandboxAQ and MapLight Therapeutics have entered into a strategic collaboration to discover and develop potential first-in-class treatments targeting a novel G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) linked to central nervous system (CNS) disorders. What the collaboration covers? Under the agreement, SandboxAQ will receive an upfront payment and is eligible for up to $200 million in preclinical, development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments. Both companies will jointly conduct preclinical research, while MapLight Therapeutics retains exclusive rights to advance successful compounds into clinical development and commercialization. AI-Driven drug discovery at the core. The partnership brings together SandboxAQ's advanced AI and molecular simulation platform (AQBioSim) with MapLight's deep expertise in CNS biology. SandboxAQ will use large-scale AI models and high-fidelity simulations to: * Explore GPCR structure - function relationships * Predict ligand - receptor interactions * Optimize drug-like properties * Accelerate Design - Make - Test - Analyze (DMTA) cycles This approach is designed to rapidly narrow down promising candidates in chemical space that traditional methods often struggle to access. Why This matters for CNS drug development? GPCRs remain one of the most important but challenging target classes in drug discovery, especially in CNS diseases where unmet need remains high. By combining AI-driven simulations with biological validation, the collaboration aims to unlock previously hard-to-drug GPCR targets and generate differentiated, first-in-class therapies. What the companies are saying? MapLight Therapeutics highlighted that the novel target was identified and validated using its internal discovery platform, while SandboxAQ emphasized that its technology enables a level of precision in GPCR modeling that was not previously possible. Together, the companies aim to accelerate the discovery of innovative CNS treatments that could address significant gaps in current care. About the partners. * SandboxAQ is a B2B company operating at the intersection of AI and quantum-inspired technologies, delivering large quantitative models across life sciences and other industries. * MapLight Therapeutics is focused on developing novel therapies for central nervous system disorders by targeting innovative biological mechanisms. This collaboration underscores the growing role of AI-led platforms in reshaping early-stage drug discovery, particularly for complex targets in neurology and psychiatry. Optimize your trial insights with Clival Database. Are you exhausted from the uncertainty of trial insights pricing? Clival Database ensures the clarity in the midst of the global scenario for clinical trials to you. Clival Database is one of the best databases that offers an outstanding number of clinical trial data in terms of 50,000+ molecules and from primary regulatory markets as well as new entrants like Indian and Chinese markets. With Clival, you get accurate positioning of historical sales data, patent database, company profiling, safety & efficacy, and prediction of launch of new innovative molecules helping you to align your research and driving down the cost. To add value, Clival further break down its analytics for you so that improving your operational effectiveness; optimizing your clinical trials; and offering you accurate and high-quality data at lowest possible prices becomes possible. Elevate your trial success rate with the cutting-edge insights from Clival database. Check it out today and make more informed sourcing decisions! Learn More!

Intellectia.AI
Dec 4th, 2025
MapLight Therapeutics raises $296.5M in IPO to fund CNS trials through 2027

MapLight Therapeutics has raised $296.5 million through an initial public offering and concurrent private placement, selling 17.4 million shares and netting $269.8 million. The October 2025 financing provides funding through 2027. The company is advancing two clinical trials: ZEPHYR, enrolling 300 schizophrenia patients with topline results expected in the second half of 2026, and VISTA, targeting psychosis symptoms in Alzheimer's disease with results anticipated in 2027. As of 30 September 2025, MapLight reported $227.2 million in cash and short-term investments. Research and development expenses for the third quarter reached $27.1 million, up from $16.8 million in the same period last year, reflecting increased investment in clinical trials and employee costs.

American Banking News
Dec 1st, 2025
Maplight Therapeutics' $250M Quiet Period Ends

Maplight Therapeutics' (NASDAQ:MPLT) quiet period ends on December 8th. The company issued 14,750,000 shares in its IPO on October 27th, raising $250 million at $17.00 per share. Analysts have begun coverage, with ratings ranging from "sell" to "strong buy" and an average target price of $31.00. Shares opened at $13.63, with a 1-year range of $12.24 to $20.86. Following the quiet period, underwriters are expected to initiate research coverage.

Business Insider
Nov 21st, 2025
MapLight Therapeutics Rated Buy by Stifel

Stifel initiated coverage of MapLight Therapeutics (MPLT) with a Buy rating and a $28 price target, viewing the company as a potential second-mover in the muscarinic space. Despite a slower than expected launch of Cobenfy, the muscarinic market offers significant revenue potential. Stifel highlights MapLight's ML-007C-MA for its potential differentiation in dosing convenience and tolerability. The news was first published on TheFly.

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