Full-Time
Develops targeted brain-disorder therapeutics via platform
$319k - $361k/yr
Remote in USA
Remote
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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.
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Redwood City, California
Founded
2018
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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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.