Addex Therapeutics GABAB PAM Shows Promise for IPF-Related Chronic Cough in Preclinical Study

Key Takeaways

• Addex’s GABAB positive allosteric modulator demonstrated solid antitussive activity in bleomycin-induced IPF chronic cough model
• Results support potential new treatment approach for debilitating chronic cough in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients
• Preclinical success may advance the neurological disorder-focused compound toward clinical development for respiratory applications

---

Geneva, Switzerland - Addex Therapeutics (SIX: ADXN, Nasdaq: ADXN) announced encouraging preclinical results for its GABAB positive allosteric modulator (PAM) candidate, demonstrating significant antitussive activity in a bleomycin-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) chronic cough model on April 29, 2026.

Breakthrough in Chronic Cough Treatment

The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, known for developing novel small molecule allosteric modulators for neurological disorders, tested its GABAB PAM in a well-established animal model that mimics IPF-related chronic cough. The bleomycin model is widely recognized for reproducing the persistent, debilitating cough that significantly impacts quality of life for IPF patients.

Market Implications and Unmet Medical Need

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis affects approximately 100,000 Americans, with chronic cough being one of the most distressing symptoms. Current treatment options for IPF-related cough remain limited, creating a substantial unmet medical need in the respiratory therapeutics market.

Addex’s GABAB PAM approach represents a novel mechanism targeting the gamma-aminobutyric acid type B receptor system, which plays a crucial role in cough reflex modulation. This neurological pathway approach differs from traditional antitussive medications, potentially offering superior efficacy with fewer side effects.

Clinical Development Pathway

The positive preclinical data strengthens Addex’s pipeline diversification beyond its core neurological disorder focus. While originally developed for neurological applications, the compound’s demonstrated antitussive properties open new therapeutic avenues in respiratory medicine.

The company’s allosteric modulator platform technology continues showing versatility across multiple therapeutic areas, potentially increasing its commercial value and partnership opportunities with larger pharmaceutical companies seeking innovative respiratory treatments.

Investment and Partnership Potential

This preclinical milestone may attract attention from respiratory-focused pharmaceutical partners and investors, particularly given the limited competition in IPF-related cough treatments. The data supports advancing the GABAB PAM candidate toward clinical trials for this specific indication.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this mean for IPF patients with chronic cough?

This preclinical success suggests a potential new treatment option for the debilitating chronic cough associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, though clinical trials are still needed to confirm safety and efficacy in humans.

When will Addex’s GABAB PAM be available for patients?

The compound is still in preclinical development. Clinical trials would need to be initiated and successfully completed before regulatory approval, which typically takes several years.

How does GABAB PAM compare to existing cough treatments?

The GABAB PAM uses a novel neurological pathway approach targeting specific brain receptors that control cough reflexes, potentially offering better efficacy and fewer side effects than current antitussive medications.