A new European research initiative is set to accelerate the development of therapies for rare neurodevelopmental disorders by targeting shared biological mechanisms rather than studying each condition in isolation. The project, entitled Repurposing Glutamatergic Synapse Therapies Across Rare Neurodevelopmental Disorders (HypoGluTx), was officially launched during its kick-off meeting held in Barcelona on 29 May 2026. CNC-UC was represented by its vice president and the leader of the Synapse Biology research group, Ana Luísa Carvalho.
Funded by the European Rare Diseases Research Alliance (ERDERA), the consortium has secured more than €1 million to conduct preclinical studies exploring innovative therapeutic strategies for these conditions.
Coordinated by the Institute of Neurosciences of the University of Barcelona and led by Prof. Xavier Altafaj (IDIBAPS), HypoGluTx was selected through ERDERA’s first Joint Transnational Call 2025. The project emerged from a highly competitive process involving 161 initial proposals, with only 18 multinational projects receiving funding. The initiative brings together leading European researchers and patient organisations to address critical unmet needs in rare neurodevelopmental disorders.
HypoGluTx focuses on disorders caused by mutations in the GRIN2B, SHANK3, STXBP1 and CACNG2 genes, which are associated with a spectrum of clinical manifestations including epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder traits and intellectual disability. Although these disorders arise from different genetic causes, growing evidence suggests that they converge on common mechanisms affecting glutamatergic synapses, the structures responsible for excitatory communication between neurons. By investigating these shared pathways, researchers aim to identify therapeutic targets that could benefit multiple disorders simultaneously.
A central objective of the project is to evaluate whether existing drugs and nutraceuticals with established safety profiles can be repurposed to restore synaptic function. This strategy has the potential to reduce both the time and cost required to bring new treatments to patients.
CNC-UC participates in the consortium through the Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB). The project also includes academic partners from the Universitat de Vic, VU University Amsterdam and the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE). Patient organisations, including GRIN Europe, STXBP1 and Phelan-McDermid associations, play an active role in the project, ensuring that research priorities remain closely aligned with patient needs and experiences.
