EvoDenovo is a biotechnology company dedicated to accelerating patient access to evidence-based innovations for depression.
VHH for Depression
EvoDenovo is advancing a precision biologics platform for depression and other CNS disorders, centered on engineered single-domain antibodies. By combining selectivity, modular engineering, and a development strategy built for speed and discipline, we aim to generate therapies that are both scientifically differentiated and operationally executable. The result is a biologic approach designed to translate compelling neuroscience into practical, scalable treatment options for patients who remain poorly served by current care.
Mission
Our mission is to put patients first by developing transformative antidepressant therapies that work rapidly and lastingly, built through rigorous translational science and a development path designed for broad clinical impact.
Collaborators
We use rigorous science to reimagine mental health treatment.
2026
Targeting mGlyR with nanobodies for depression
2021
Cryo-EM structure of human GPR158 receptor coupled to the RGS7-Gβ5 signaling complex
2023
Orphan receptor GPR158 serves as a metabotropic glycine receptor: mGlyR
2018
Orphan receptor GPR158 controls stress-induced depression
Restoring Prefrontal Cortical Excitability via mGlyR Inhibition
This animation illustrates the physiological impact of our lead therapeutic, Nb20, on layer II-III pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex. In depressive states, the metabotropic glycine receptor (mGlyR) suppresses intrinsic neuronal excitability. As depicted, Nb20 (yellow) selectively binds to mGlyR to block its inhibitory signaling. This intervention rapidly lowers the neuron’s firing threshold (rheobase), meaning it requires less input to fire, without altering its resting membrane potential. The result is a robust generation of action potentials and a restored neural network primed to alleviate depressive symptoms.
Pipeline
Two first-in-class programs targeting novel GPCRs in the brain.
Program
Target & modality
Indication
Discovery
Lead optimization
IND-enabling
Phase 1
NB20
mGlyR (GPR158)Intranasal nanobody
Treatment-resistant depression
EVD3Funded by NIH / NIDA
GPR139Small molecule
Opioid use disorder
Management Team
30+ years in medicine and 15+ years in drug development, with a track record including FDA approvals and successful acquisitions.
Sid Labed is a serial biotech founder and Harvard Medical School alum
former Biogen Senior Translational/Clinical Pharmacologist Leader, overseeing preclinical development at EvoDenovo.
Inventors
Dr. Brock Grill is a Professor at the Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington; his lab laid the foundation for the GPR139 anti opioid program.
