Rapport Therapeutics partners with Tenacia Biotechnology to develop and commercialize RAP-219, a first-in-class TARPγ8 AMPA receptor modulator, for neurological disorders in Greater China, in a deal worth up to $328 million, including potential milestones of up to $308 million
Written By: Samiksha Jadhav BPharm
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Rapport Therapeutics has entered into a strategic collaboration with Tenacia Biotechnology to advance the development and commercialization of its investigational therapy RAP-219 in Greater China. The agreement grants Tenacia exclusive rights to develop and commercialize RAP-219 across mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
RAP-219 is a potential first-in-class TARPγ8-specific AMPA receptor negative allosteric modulator being developed for neurological and psychiatric disorders. The therapy is currently being investigated for focal onset seizures (FOS), primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and bipolar mania as part of Rapport’s expanding neuroscience pipeline.
The collaboration follows encouraging Phase 2a clinical data reported in September 2025 in patients with drug-resistant focal onset seizures. In the study, RAP-219 demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in long seizure episodes, an electrographic biomarker linked to clinical seizure reduction, compared with baseline. The treatment also showed a clinically meaningful decrease in clinical seizures and was generally well tolerated.
Rapport plans to initiate a global Phase 3 program evaluating RAP-219 in focal onset seizures in the second quarter of 2026. Through the partnership, Tenacia will lead development activities in Greater China and will add Phase 3 clinical trial sites in China to support the global program.
Under the terms of the agreement, Rapport will receive an upfront payment of $20 million. The company is also eligible to receive up to approximately $308 million in development and commercial milestones, along with tiered royalties ranging from mid-single digits to mid-teens on net sales of RAP-219 in the region. Tenacia will be responsible for development and commercialization in Greater China, while Rapport retains rights to the therapy in all other global markets.
Rapport CEO Abraham N. Ceesay said the collaboration represents an important step in expanding the global development of RAP-219 and advancing the company’s precision neuroscience portfolio. He noted that Tenacia’s expertise in central nervous system drug development and its network of regional investigators could help accelerate clinical development and broaden access to the therapy. Ceesay also emphasized that the deal provides non-dilutive capital that supports Rapport’s strategy of investing in priority programs while maintaining financial discipline.
Tenacia CEO Xiaoxiang Chen highlighted the significant unmet medical need for new therapies for epilepsy and bipolar disorder in Greater China. He described RAP-219 as a promising and differentiated treatment candidate supported by encouraging clinical data in focal onset seizures and potential applications across several neurological and psychiatric conditions. Chen added that the partnership aligns well with Tenacia’s CNS pipeline and development capabilities.
RAP-219 works by selectively targeting TARPγ8, a receptor-associated protein linked to AMPA receptors that is primarily expressed in specific brain regions such as the hippocampus and neocortex, areas commonly involved in seizure generation. Because TARPγ8 has minimal expression in the hindbrain, where many neurological drugs cause intolerable adverse effects, the selective mechanism could offer a more favourable safety profile compared with traditional therapies.
Beyond focal onset seizures, the therapy is also being explored for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, bipolar disorder, and peripheral neuropathic pain, reflecting its potential as a multi-indication neuroscience treatment.
Reference
Rapport Therapeutics and Tenacia Biotechnology Announce Strategic Collaboration for the Development and Commercialization of RAP-219 in Greater China, 09 March 2026, https://investors.rapportrx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/rapport-therapeutics-and-tenacia-biotechnology-announce
Rapport Therapeutics and Tenacia Biotechnology Announce Strategic Collaboration for the Development and Commercialization of RAP-219 in Greater China, 09 March 2026, https://www.tenacia.com/en/mediaDetails?reportId=14
About Writer
Samiksha Vikram Jadhav is a B.Pharm graduate with a strong academic foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, and drug development. She has a keen interest in healthcare advancements, clinical research, medical writing, and emerging therapies. Her work focuses on presenting developments in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors through clear and accurate scientific communication.