Exciva

EXCIVA is a clinical-stage biotech company developing EXV-802, a novel combination therapy for agitation in Alzheimer's disease dementia, which has received FDA Fast Track designation. The company is built on a combination of two innovative pharmacological approaches—NMDA receptor antagonism and 5-HT2A/2C receptor inverse agonism—aiming to treat a broad range of neuropsychiatric symptoms without affecting the dopaminergic system. Backed by a €51 million Series B financing round and led by an experienced team with strong scientific and clinical advisory boards, Exciva is advancing its lead candidate through a pivotal Phase 2/3 study (SERENADA) to address a major unmet need in dementia care.

Novel combination therapy platform pairing dextromethorphan (NMDA receptor antagonist) with EXV-801 (CYP2D6 inhibitor and 5-HT2A/2C receptor inverse agonist) to treat neuropsychiatric symptoms without affecting the dopaminergic system.

Competition includes off-label atypical antipsychotics (with black-box warnings) and other companies developing novel therapies for Alzheimer's agitation, such as those targeting the 5-HT2A receptor (e.g., pimavanserin) or other mechanisms. Exciva's combination approach aiming to avoid dopaminergic effects is a key differentiator.