Chicago-based Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) and Aptinyx, a US-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, have entered into a research collaboration to support the development of new therapeutics for brain and central nervous system disorders, it was reported on Wednesday.

RFU's Brain Science Institute aims to identify and solve fundamental aspects of brain function and development and utilise those findings to understand the mechanisms of brain diseases. Under a recently executed research agreement, investigators within the institute will partner with Evanston-based Aptinyx, which is developing novel therapies for neurologic disorders including chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder and cognitive impairment.

Amiel Rosenkranz, PhD, director of the Brain Science Institute, said, 'This is an exciting opportunity for neuroscientists at RFU to contribute to the advancement of novel treatments for difficult-to-treat disorders. We are grateful to be working with Aptinyx on their promising therapeutics.'