Cassava Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: SAVA) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company headquartered in Austin, Texas, focused on developing novel therapeutics for [Alzheimer's disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease) and other neurological disorders. The company's lead candidate, simufilam, represents a novel approach targeting the filamin A protein, which is involved in synaptic function and neuronal survival["@cassava"].
Founded in 2004, Cassava Sciences has dedicated its research to understanding the underlying of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. The company's approach differs from traditional amyloid-targeting strategies, focusing instead on restoring synaptic function through modulation of filamin A^2].
Pipeline Overview
| Program | Target/Mechanism | Indication | Phase | Status | |---------|-----------------|------------|-------|--------| | Simufilam (PTI-125) | Filamin A modifier | Alzheimer's Disease | Phase 3 | Recruiting | | Simufilam | Filamin A modifier | Alzheimer's Disease | Phase 3 | Active | | PTI-125-DS | Filamin A modifier | Alzheimer's Disease | Phase 2 | Completed |
Funding
IPO: 2020 (NASDAQ: SAVA)
Market Cap: ~$100M (2026)
Funding History: Series rounds, IPO
Alzheimer's Disease Programs
Simufilam (PTI-125)
Simufilam is a small molecule drug that binds to an altered form of the filamin A protein found in Alzheimer's disease brains. This protein plays a critical role in maintaining synaptic structure and function. In Alzheimer's disease, filamin A becomes modified, leading to disrupted synaptic signaling and neuronal dysfunction^3].
Mechanism of Action:
Binds to altered filamin A in the brain
Restores normal filamin A structure and function
Improves synaptic connectivity
Reduces [tau](/proteins/tau) pathology
Decreases neuroinflammation
Rationale:
The filamin A target represents a novel mechanism distinct from amyloid and tau approaches:
Synaptic protection: Filamin A is essential for synaptic structure
Pathology reduction: Preclinical studies show reduction in both amyloid and tau