How ElevateIP helped Neuropeutics transform a lab discovery into a life-extending breakthrough for ALS patients
While volunteering in hospitals during his undergraduate studies, Dr. Marc Shenouda overheard a neurologist describe the field of neurology as “diagnose and adios” — a grim phrase referring to how many patients with neurodegenerative diseases are diagnosed, then sent home without hope of treatment.
That moment stayed with him. Today, as the CEO and co-founder of Toronto-based Neuropeutics, Shenouda is working to change that story. With support from ElevateIP, the company is advancing a therapy for ALS that targets the root cause of the disease, and may offer patients more than just a diagnosis.
Turning a Dark Truth Into a Mission
Neuropeutics is a spinout from Shenouda’s PhD work at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine. Co-founded with neuroscientist Dr. Janice Robertson, the company is developing new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, starting with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
“Currently, the only available option extends a patient’s life by just six months,” Shenouda explained. “We’re really looking to extend patients’ lives, but also improve their quality of life.”
Their lead small molecule showed a 30% reduction in disease pathology in mice after just two weeks of treatment — a promising early result. As development progressed, the team discovered something even more significant: the compound didn’t just prevent the formation of toxic protein clumps in ALS, it appeared to reverse them. These clumps, which are abnormal accumulations of proteins, disrupt normal brain function and are a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases like ALS.
“For us, that was a huge turning point, and I think for the field more generally,” Shenouda said.
Why It Matters
Shenouda’s drive to work on neurodegenerative diseases stems from personal experience.
“I had family members that had Alzheimer's,” he said. “It’s arguably harder on the family than the patient, as the patient is no longer aware of what’s going on.”
With Neuropeutics, he is working to deliver a therapy that not only extends life but preserves dignity.
“You’ve got to give something better to these patients,” he said.
The company is currently focused on optimizing the drug into an oral formulation and finalizing the necessary studies to begin clinical trials, with a target to enter trials by the end of 2028.
From Research to Reality, with ElevateIP
When Neuropeutics first formed, Shenouda and his team had a breakthrough asset, but lacked the funding and IP expertise to protect it.
“By the time we were looking to start the company, we didn’t have the funding to go about patenting. We didn’t know what to do,” he said.
Through ElevateIP, Shenouda first accessed IP education and awareness, which helped him understand the next steps.
“Getting that knowledge through ElevateIP and then having that novelty search performed by my patent lawyer was very helpful,” he said. “The way the program is structured makes a lot of sense.”
That foundation led to a robust IP strategy, enabling the company to negotiate a major partnership with UK-based LifeArc.
“ElevateIP allowed us to ensure the terms are favorable for future investors, and ensure that we’re able to maintain our technology in Canada,” Shenouda explained. “It was extremely pivotal.”
Building Partnerships and Gaining Traction
In addition to the LifeArc partnership, Neuropeutics was awarded the AbbVie Biotech Innovators Award — a national competition that provided access to free lab space through SpinUp and opened the door to strategic mentorship from Big Pharma.
“There was no better way than this award to have this partnership,” Shenouda said. “Meeting with them as supporters, updating them on our science, and seeing what they require from us to be able to merge. Within two years, we’re able to have Big Pharma on our side, validating our science alongside LifeArc.”
For a medical startup to have an “in” with Big Pharma just two years into research is nearly unheard of. Neuropeutics now operates out of the University of Toronto’s downtown campus and SpinUp at the U of T Mississauga campus.
Why ElevateIP Matters
The transition from promising research to commercial biotech company is filled with risk, especially for early-stage startups. ElevateIP made that leap possible for Neuropeutics by supporting their education, strategy, and legal IP filings when other resources weren’t yet accessible.
“It helped us with our patenting,” Shenouda said. “Plus, with the funding, it allowed us to enter into a multi-million dollar partnership with LifeArc… and that unlocked all the subsequent wins following that.”
