Noetica Pharma is developing BRT002, a first-in-class patented small molecule for Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy — a disease where no approved drug currently exists.
neonates affected each year worldwide
approved drugs for NHIE today
Noetica Pharma was founded in 2025 by Technofounders and researchers from CEA, with a mission to develop innovative drugs for neonatal and neurovascular diseases.
NHIE occurs when a newborn's brain is deprived of oxygen at birth. It affects 1–3 per 1,000 births in high-income countries — 1 to 2 million cases every year globally. NHIE causes 15–50% mortality depending on severity, and up to 70% of survivors experience neurological disabilities ranging from cerebral palsy to profound cognitive deficits.
The only available treatment — therapeutic hypothermia — has limited efficacy, is unusable in severe forms, and requires specialized infrastructure. No drug has ever been approved for NHIE.
BRT002 is the result of more than 10 years of academic research at CEA (Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique), partly funded by a $3M NIH grant. The compound was discovered at CEA's LENIT lab and is protected by two granted patents with a worldwide exclusive license.
Noetica was co-founded with the scientists behind the original discovery — ensuring deep scientific expertise and full control of the intellectual property chain.
cases per year globally
lifetime care cost per patient
approved drugs for NHIE
global market by 2032 (CAGR +7.9%)
A patented purine-derivative small molecule designed for acute intravenous administration following a hypoxic event, with a unique multimodal mechanism of action.
Counteracts free radical damage during the reperfusion phase following hypoxic injury.
Limits glutamate-induced neuronal death during the acute secondary injury phase.
Reduces the neuroinflammation cascade that drives late-stage cell death and atrophy.
Supports brain repair and long-term cognitive recovery with effects observed at 60 days.
See the article published in Neurotherapeutics (Mabondzo et al., 2025) for more details.
Granted patents — NCE (2021, worldwide) and Biomarkers (2024) — with exclusive worldwide license from CEA
Years of academic research at the origin of BRT002, supported by $3M in NIH funding
Back-up molecule with equivalent multimodal mode of action and a good safety profile already identified
Led by drug development experts, backed by a leading European DeepTech venture builder and distinguished scientific founders.
>20 years of experience in drug development, up to late clinical stages, mostly in CNS, orphan and pediatric diseases.
Funding experience (dilutive & non-dilutive: i-Lab, EIC Accelerator, etc.) & winner of multiple pitch competitions.
Leading Venture Builder in the European DeepTech ecosystem — dedicated to creating, financing, and accelerating DeepTech projects through Specialized Venture Partners, Support Services, and experienced Managing Partners.
>10 years of experience in drug development, operations management, and entrepreneurship.
Strong leadership background and advanced scientific training.
Research Director at LENIT, CEA France. Lead inventor and corresponding author of the Neurotherapeutics publication (2025).
Researcher at LENIT, CEA. Co-inventor of the BRT002 patents and preclinical data package.
Scientiam / Université Paris-Saclay. Expert in medicinal chemistry and synthesis of the BRT002 compound series.
Scientiam Pharma. Co-inventor specializing in the chemical optimization of BRT002 and its back-up molecule.
Professor of Pediatrics at Brown Medical School; Neonatologist at Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, US.
Scientific Director at Inserm, FR; Professor of Perinatal Neurology at King's College London, UK.
Associate Chief of Staff R&D, Seattle, US. World-leading expert on blood-brain barrier and neuroprotection.
BRT002 is positioned for rapid entry into clinical development through an orphan pediatric indication, with a clear path to broader indications.
Follow Noetica Pharma's progress in the press and scientific community.
Challenges.fr spotlights Noetica Pharma's mission to develop the first drug therapy for neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy — a devastating condition where no approved treatment currently exists.
Read the article →This recognition highlights a long-term scientific commitment to brain protection, particularly in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) — a severe condition with no approved drug treatment. At Noetica Pharma, our ambition is clear: to transform this academic excellence into concrete therapeutic solutions for affected newborns.
Read the article →We welcome conversations with investors, pharma partners, and collaborators who share our mission to save the lives of newborns.
