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1. 14 May 2021 Praxis Precision Medicines to Present at Upcoming Investor Conferences

   CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:PRAX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders characterized by neuronal imbalance, today announced that management will participate in the following upcoming virtual investor conferences:
   

   • RBC Capital Markets Global Healthcare Conference
     Presentation on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. ET

   • Oppenheimer Rare & Orphan Disease Summit
     Prerecorded presentation available on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. ET
     

   The events will be available via webcast through the Events & Presentations page of the Investors + Media section of the company's website at…

   CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:PRAX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders characterized by neuronal imbalance, today announced that management will participate in the following upcoming virtual investor conferences:
   
   

   • RBC Capital Markets Global Healthcare Conference
     
     Presentation on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. ET

   • Oppenheimer Rare & Orphan Disease Summit
     
     Prerecorded presentation available on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. ET
     
     

   The events will be available via webcast through the Events & Presentations page of the Investors + Media section of the company's website at www.praxismedicines.com. Replays of the webcasts will be available for 90 days following the events.

   About Praxis
   
   Praxis Precision Medicines is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for central nervous system disorders (CNS) characterized by neuronal imbalance. Praxis is applying insights from genetic epilepsies to broader neurological and psychiatric disorders, using our understanding of shared biological targets and circuits in the brain. Praxis has established a broad portfolio, including multiple disclosed programs across CNS disorders including depression, epilepsy, movement disorders and pain syndromes, with three clinical-stage product candidates. For more information, please visit www.praxismedicines.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

   
   
   

   Investor Contact:
   Alex Kane
   Praxis Precision Medicines
   
   617-300-8481
   
   Media Contact:
   Ian Stone
   Canale Communications
   
   619-849-5388

   

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2. 13 May 2021 Praxis Precision Medicines Prices Public Offering of Common Stock

   CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:PRAX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for central nervous system disorders (CNS) characterized by neuronal imbalance, today announced that it has priced an underwritten public offering of 5,000,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $18.25 per share. The gross proceeds to Praxis from the offering are expected to be approximately $91.25 million, before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses. Praxis has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 750,000 shares of its common stock.
   

   All…

   CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:PRAX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for central nervous system disorders (CNS) characterized by neuronal imbalance, today announced that it has priced an underwritten public offering of 5,000,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $18.25 per share. The gross proceeds to Praxis from the offering are expected to be approximately $91.25 million, before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses. Praxis has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 750,000 shares of its common stock.
   
   

   All shares in the offering are to be sold by Praxis. The offering is expected to close on or about May 18, 2021, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Praxis intends to use the net proceeds from the offering, together with its existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, to (i) advance PRAX-114 into and through the completion of the Phase 2/3 Aria Study in monotherapy major depressive disorder ("MDD"), which is intended to satisfy one of two registrational trials required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to support clinical efficacy for monotherapy MDD, advance PRAX-114 into and through the completion of Praxis' Phase 2 trial for the adjunctive treatment of MDD, complete Part B (perimenopausal depression) of the Phase 2a clinical trial for PRAX-114, initiate a Phase 3 monotherapy trial in MDD, initiate and complete a Phase 2 trial in post-traumatic stress disorder ("PTSD"), initiate and complete a Phase 2 trial in essential tremor ("ET") and pursue the development of PRAX-114 in an additional indication; (ii) complete its ongoing Phase 2a clinical trial and a Phase 2 randomized, controlled clinical trial for PRAX-944 in ET and initiate and complete a Phase 2 trial of PRAX-944 in Parkinson's Disease; (iii) complete its ongoing PRAX-562 Phase 1 healthy volunteer trial and initiate and complete Phase 2 trials of PRAX-562 in Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform headache attacks with Conjunctival injection and Tearing ("SUNCT"), Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform headache with Autonomic symptoms ("SUNA"), and Trigeminal Neuralgia ("TN"), and in developmental and epileptic encephalopathies ("DEEs"), including SCN8A-DEE and SCN2A-DEE, and (iv) advance other programs in its pipeline and support working capital and other general corporate purposes.

   BofA Securities, Cowen and Piper Sandler are acting as joint bookrunning managers for the offering, and Wedbush PacGrow is acting as lead manager for the offering.

   A registration statement on Form S-1, which includes a preliminary prospectus relating to and describing the terms of the offering, has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), and declared effective by the SEC on May 13, 2021. The public offering is being made by Praxis only by means of a prospectus relating to the offering. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and may be obtained, when available, from: BofA Securities, Attention: Prospectus Department, NC1-004-03-43, 200 North College Street, 3rd floor, Charlotte, NC 28255-0001, or by emailing ; Cowen and Company, LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Services, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by telephone at 833-297-2926; or Piper Sandler & Co., Attention: Prospectus Department, 800 Nicollet Mall, J12S03, Minneapolis, MN 55402, or by telephone at 800-747-3924.

   This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

   About Praxis
   
   Praxis Precision Medicines is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for central nervous system disorders (CNS) characterized by neuronal imbalance. Praxis is applying insights from genetic epilepsies to broader neurological and psychiatric disorders, using our understanding of shared biological targets and circuits in the brain. Praxis has established a broad portfolio, including multiple disclosed programs across CNS disorders including depression, epilepsy, movement disorders and pain syndromes, with three clinical-stage product candidates.

   Forward-Looking Statements
   
   This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and other federal securities laws, including express or implied statements Praxis' future expectations, plans and prospects, including, without limitation, statements regarding the consummation of the offering, the terms of the offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions with respect to the offering, the anticipated use of the net proceeds of the offering, as well as other statements containing the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "endeavor," "estimate," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "seek," "should," "target," "will" or "would" and similar expressions that constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended.

   The express or implied forward-looking statements included in this press release are only predictions and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation: uncertainties due to changes as a result of market conditions or other reasons; the risk that the offering will not be consummated; those risks and uncertainties inherent in clinical trials; risks, uncertainties and assumptions regarding the impact of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic on Praxis' business, operations, strategy, goals and anticipated timelines; and other risks concerning Praxis' programs and operations are described in additional detail in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, filed on May 11, 2021, its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed on March 17, 2021 and its other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Although Praxis' forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by Praxis. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Praxis undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

   Investor Contact:
   
   Alex Kane
   
   Praxis Precision Medicines
   
   
   
   617-300-8481

   Media Contact:
   
   Ian Stone
   
   Canale Communications
   
   
   
   619-849-5388 

   
   
   

   

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3. 11 May 2021 Praxis Precision Medicines Announces Proposed Public Offering of Common Stock

   CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:PRAX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for central nervous system disorders (CNS) characterized by neuronal imbalance, today announced that it has commenced an underwritten public offering of 4,000,000 shares of its common stock. Praxis also intends to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the shares of its common stock sold in the public offering. All shares in the offering are to be sold by Praxis. The offering is subject to market conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or the actual…

   CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:PRAX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for central nervous system disorders (CNS) characterized by neuronal imbalance, today announced that it has commenced an underwritten public offering of 4,000,000 shares of its common stock. Praxis also intends to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the shares of its common stock sold in the public offering. All shares in the offering are to be sold by Praxis. The offering is subject to market conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or the actual size or terms of the offering.
   
   

   Praxis intends to use the net proceeds from the offering, together with its existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, to (i) advance PRAX-114 into and through the completion of the Phase 2/3 Aria Study in monotherapy major depressive disorder ("MDD"), which is intended to satisfy one of two registrational trials required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to support clinical efficacy for monotherapy MDD, advance PRAX-114 into and through the completion of Praxis' Phase 2 trial for the adjunctive treatment of MDD, complete Part B (perimenopausal depression) of the Phase 2a clinical trial for PRAX-114, initiate a Phase 3 monotherapy trial in MDD, initiate and complete a Phase 2 trial in PTSD, initiate and complete a Phase 2 trial in essential tremor ("ET") and pursue the development of PRAX-114 in an additional indication; (ii) complete its ongoing Phase 2a clinical trial and a Phase 2 randomized, controlled clinical trial for PRAX-944 in ET and initiate and complete a Phase 2 trial of PRAX-944 in Parkinson's Disease; (iii) complete its ongoing PRAX-562 Phase 1 healthy volunteer trial and initiate and complete Phase 2 trials of PRAX-562 in Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform headache attacks with Conjunctival injection and Tearing ("SUNCT"), Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform headache with Autonomic symptoms ("SUNA"), and Trigeminal Neuralgia ("TN"), and in developmental epileptic encephalopathies ("DEEs"), including SCN8A-DEE and SCN2A-DEE and (iv) advance other programs in its pipeline and support working capital and other general corporate purposes.

   BofA Securities, Cowen and Piper Sandler are acting as joint bookrunning managers for the offering, and Wedbush PacGrow is acting as lead manager for the offering.

   A registration statement on Form S-1, which includes a preliminary prospectus relating to and describing the terms of the offering, has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time that the registration statement becomes effective.

   The public offering is being made by Praxis only by means of a prospectus relating to the offering. Copies of the preliminary prospectus, when available, may be obtained from: BofA Securities, Attention: Prospectus Department, NC1-004-03-43, 200 North College Street, 3rd floor, Charlotte, NC 28255-0001, or by emailing dg.prospectus—; Cowen and Company, LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Services, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by telephone at 833-297-2926; or Piper Sandler & Co., Attention: Prospectus Department, 800 Nicollet Mall, J12S03, Minneapolis, MN 55402, or by telephone at 800-747-3924.

   This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

   About Praxis
   
   Praxis Precision Medicines is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for central nervous system disorders (CNS) characterized by neuronal imbalance. Praxis is applying insights from genetic epilepsies to broader neurological and psychiatric disorders, using our understanding of shared biological targets and circuits in the brain. Praxis has established a broad portfolio, including multiple disclosed programs across CNS disorders including depression, epilepsy, movement disorders and pain syndromes, with three clinical-stage product candidates.

   Forward-Looking Statements
   
   This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and other federal securities laws, including express or implied statements Praxis' future expectations, plans and prospects, including, without limitation, statements regarding the consummation of the offering, the terms of the offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions with respect to the offering, the anticipated use of the net proceeds of the offering, as well as other statements containing the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "endeavor," "estimate," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "seek," "should," "target," "will" or "would" and similar expressions that constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended.

   The express or implied forward-looking statements included in this press release are only predictions and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation: uncertainties due to changes as a result of market conditions or other reasons; the risk that the offering will not be consummated; those risks and uncertainties inherent in clinical trials; risks, uncertainties and assumptions regarding the impact of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic on Praxis' business, operations, strategy, goals and anticipated timelines; and other risks concerning Praxis' programs and operations are described in additional detail in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed on March 17, 2021 and its other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Although Praxis' forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by Praxis. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Praxis undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

   Investor Contact:
   
   Alex Kane
   
   Praxis Precision Medicines
   
   
   
   617-300-8481

   Media Contact:
   
   Ian Stone
   
   Canale Communications
   
   
   
   619-849-5388

   
   
   

   

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4. 11 May 2021 Praxis Precision Medicines Provides Corporate Update and Reports First Quarter 2021 Financial Results

   Expands pipeline with new indications for PRAX-114 and PRAX-944
   

   PRAX-114 Phase 2 trial for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder to initiate in 2H21

   PRAX-114 Phase 2 trial for treatment of essential tremor to initiate in 2H21

   PRAX-944 Phase 2 trial for treatment of Parkinson's disease to initiate in 1H22

   Cash balance of $270.8M as of March 31, 2021 supports cash runway into 4Q22

   CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:PRAX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders characterized by neuronal imbalance, today provided a corporate update…

   Expands pipeline with new indications for PRAX-114 and PRAX-944
   
   

   PRAX-114 Phase 2 trial for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder to initiate in 2H21

   PRAX-114 Phase 2 trial for treatment of essential tremor to initiate in 2H21

   PRAX-944 Phase 2 trial for treatment of Parkinson's disease to initiate in 1H22

   Cash balance of $270.8M as of March 31, 2021 supports cash runway into 4Q22

   CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:PRAX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders characterized by neuronal imbalance, today provided a corporate update and reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021.

   "I'm inspired by our team's continued execution and the progress throughout our pipeline during the first quarter, with key milestones achieved across each of our programs. As the pipeline advances, our conviction in our programs continues to grow," said Marcio Souza, president and chief executive officer of Praxis. "In addition to the ongoing enrollment in our PRAX-114 Phase 2/3 Aria study for monotherapy MDD, we are excited to announce the expansion of PRAX-114 into post-traumatic stress disorder and essential tremor, as well as the expansion of PRAX-944 into Parkinson's disease. These disorders all have significant unmet need, as well as both genetic and mechanistic linkage to the respective targets and programs. We believe that Praxis' foundational approach to identifying targets through human genetics, the extensive use of translational tools to inform development and always keeping patient needs top of mind have been instrumental in developing a deep pipeline of CNS programs with considerable optionality."

   Recent Business Highlights and Upcoming Milestones:

   Psychiatry

   • Praxis plans to initiate a PRAX-114 Phase 2 trial for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the second half of 2021. Topline results are expected in the second half of 2022.
     
     
     
     
   • Praxis expects topline results from the ongoing PRAX-114 Phase 2/3 Aria Study (Study 213) for monotherapy treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in the first half of 2022. If positive, the Aria Study is intended to serve as one of two trials required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to demonstrate clinical efficacy to support registration of PRAX-114 for monotherapy treatment of MDD.
     
     
     
     
   • Praxis plans to initiate a PRAX-114 Phase 2 Study (Study 214) for adjunctive treatment of MDD in the third quarter of 2021. Topline results from Study 214 are expected in the first half of 2022.
     
     
     
     
     • Study 214 is designed to include patients with moderate to severe MDD (HAM-D>23) with insufficient response to standard of care antidepressant treatment in the current episode and will evaluate efficacy and safety of PRAX-114 at doses of 10mg, 20mg, 40mg and 60mg.
       
       
       
       
     • Study 214 will provide controlled data to support advancing a Phase 3 adjunctive MDD trial and will increase the understanding of the dose range for expected Phase 3 monotherapy and adjunctive treatment trials.
       
       
       
       
   • Praxis has completed the Part A (N=33) and Part C (N=13) MDD cohorts of the PRAX-114 Phase 2a trial for treatment of patients with MDD and perimenopausal depression (PMD). Praxis expects to announce topline results from the ongoing Part B cohort for treatment of patients with PMD in the second half of 2021.
     
     
     
     
     • Across both MDD cohorts (N=46), PRAX-114 led to a rapid and marked improvement in the HAM-D score of participants, with mean improvements of 16.4 points, or 65%, at Day 15 for monotherapy treatment (N=11) and 12.7 points, or 51%, at Day 15 for adjunctive treatment (N=35).
       
       
       
       
     • Anxiety symptoms, as assessed by the HAM-A, demonstrated an improvement of 11 points, or 50%, at Day 15 across both MDD cohorts.
       
       
       
       
     • Insomnia symptoms, as assessed by the total of 3 HAM-D insomnia items, demonstrated an improvement of 3.1 points, or 76%, at Day 15 across both MDD cohorts.
       
       
       
       
     • PRAX-114 demonstrated a generally well-tolerated safety profile throughout the 14-day treatment period in Part A and the 28-day treatment period in Part C. Treatment emergent adverse events were generally mild to moderate. Rates of somnolence, which is characterized by sleepiness or drowsiness, increased with exposure, demonstrating a pharmacological effect which was substantially mitigated by dosing at night versus daytime dosing.
       
       
       
       
   • In May 2021, Praxis published a white paper, "Best Practices in Clinical Trials of Antidepressants: Overcoming Challenges to Optimize Success," highlighting essential learnings and best practices to improve the chances of success in MDD clinical trials through appropriate study design and conduct.
     
     
     
     
   • Preclinical and clinical data for PRAX-114 was presented at the Society of Biological Psychiatry Meeting (SOBP) from April 29 - May 1, 2021. One abstract included preclinical data demonstrating PRAX-114's extrasynaptic GABAA receptor preference, robust β-EEG link to preclinical anxiety and depression models, and wide therapeutic window with exposures associated with efficacy separating from those associated with sedation by 11-fold. A second abstract included clinical data demonstrating that PRAX-114's robust CNS pharmacodynamic effect and translational β-EEG and tolerability data generated in preclinical experiments was replicated in a clinical study in healthy participants.
     
     

   Movement Disorders

   • Praxis expects to initiate a PRAX-114 Phase 2 trial for treatment of essential tremor (ET) in the second half of 2021. Topline results are expected in the second half of 2022.
     
     
     
     
   • Praxis expects to initiate a PRAX-944 Phase 2 trial for treatment of Parkinson's disease in the first half of 2022.
     
     
     
     
   • Praxis is currently in the second of two cohorts in its PRAX-944 Phase 2a trial for ET, assessing up to twelve patients titrated up to 120 mg/day of PRAX-944. Preliminary topline open-label safety, tolerability and efficacy data is expected in mid-2021.
     
     
     
     
   • To inform dose selection for PRAX-944 for tremor studies, population PK-PD analyses were performed to predict the effect of PRAX-944 exposure on selected EEG endpoints including the sigma band absolute power during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, which is believed to be a relevant biomarker for the T-type calcium channel in the thalamus, a key part of the tremor network. PRAX-944 had a significant pharmacodynamic (PD) effect on sigma band EEG power during NREM sleep across the 5 to 120 mg dose range evaluated. The results of the analysis suggest that doses as low as 5 mg/day may show effect while doses of up to ~120 mg/day may drive additional PD effect relative to the doses explored in ET patients to date (up to 40mg/day).
     
     
     
     
   • Praxis plans to initiate a Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of PRAX-944 for treatment of ET in the fourth quarter of 2021. In addition, a Phase 1 study to explore faster titration schemes for PRAX-944 for treatment of ET is expected to initiate in mid-2021.
     
     
     
     
   • Praxis recently interacted with the FDA to discuss the development of PRAX-944 for treatment of ET and received feedback pertaining to clinical endpoints necessary to support PRAX-944's potential approval. The FDA indicated that primary clinical endpoints to support approval for treatment of ET should adequately measure clinically meaningful benefit for patients such as assessment of activities of daily living or performance-based functional tests.
     
     

   Rare Disease

   • Praxis has completed the single ascending dose (SAD) and the multiple ascending dose (MAD) cohorts in its Phase 1 trial of PRAX-562 in healthy volunteers up to the highest planned dose. The highest planned dose in the MAD cohort was well tolerated with concentrations that exceed EC₇₅ in the MES mouse model, a model with demonstrated predictive validity. Praxis will be escalating the dose further to explore tolerability at higher dose levels. Safety, tolerability and PK data from the ongoing Phase 1 trial of PRAX-562 is expected in mid-2021.
     
     
     
     
   • Praxis expects to initiate an exploratory Phase 2 trial of PRAX-562 in the second half of 2021 for treatment of patients with rare adult cephalgias, including a cohort of participants with Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform headache attacks with Conjunctival injection and Tearing (SUNCT) and Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform headache with Autonomic symptoms (SUNA), and a cohort of participants with Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN).
     
     
     
     
   • Praxis plans to initiate a Phase 2 trial of PRAX-562 for treatment of developmental epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), including SCN8A-DEE and SCN2A-DEE, in the first half of 2022.
     
     
     
     
   • In April 2021, Praxis announced that the FDA granted orphan drug designation to PRAX-562 for treatment of SCN8A-DEE and for treatment of SCN2A-DEE. Data from preclinical studies demonstrated that PRAX-562 dose-dependently inhibits seizures in SCN8A and SCN2A animal models, completely extinguishing seizures at the highest dose level tested in each model.
     
     
     
     
   • Praxis plans to complete the ongoing IND-enabling toxicology study by the end of 2021 for its lead antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) candidate, PRAX-222, and to initiate a Phase 1/2 trial of PRAX-222 for treatment of SCN2A-DEE in the first half of 2022. PRAX-222 is a precision medicine candidate designed to down-regulate SCN2A mRNA in epilepsy patients with SCN2A gain-of-function mutations.
     
     

   General Corporate Updates

   • In April 2021, Praxis announced the appointment of Jeffrey Chodakewitz, M.D., to its board of directors. Dr. Chodakewitz has more than 30 years of management experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. Most recently he served as the chief medical officer and executive vice president, global medicines development & medical affairs at Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
     
     
     
     
   • In April 2021, Praxis announced the appointment of Merit Cudkowicz, M.D., to its board of directors. Dr. Cudkowicz is the chief of neurology at Mass General Hospital, director of the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, and director and the Julieanne Dorn professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School. She has brought innovations to accelerate the development of treatments for people with neurological disorders such as ALS, including a leadership role in the first antisense oligonucleotide treatment for a neurological disorder.
     
     

   First Quarter 2021 Financial Results:

   As of March 31, 2021, Praxis had $270.8 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, compared to $296.6 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2020. This decrease of $25.8 million primarily reflects cash used in operations. The company's cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of March 31, 2021 are expected to fund operations into the fourth quarter of 2022.

   Research and development expenses were $17.9 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $6.9 million for the first quarter of 2020. The increase in R&D expenses of $11.1 million was primarily attributable to $4.5 million in increased personnel-related costs due to increased headcount, $2.7 million in increased expenses related to our discovery-stage programs, $1.8 million in increased expenses related to our PRAX-562 program, $1.3 million in increased expenses related to our PRAX-114 program and $0.6 million in increased expenses related to our PRAX-944 program.

   General and administrative expenses were $9.5 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $1.6 million for the first quarter of 2020. The increase in general and administrative expenses of $7.9 million was primarily attributable to $3.8 million in increased personnel-related costs due to increased headcount, $2.3 million in increased professional fees and $1.8 million increase in other general and administrative expenses, including $1.1 million in increased insurance and other costs related to becoming a public company.

   Praxis reported net loss of $27.4 million for the first quarter of 2021, including $4.7 million of stock-based compensation expense, compared to $8.3 million for the first quarter of 2020, including $0.1 million of stock-based compensation expense.

   As of March 31, 2021, Praxis had 38.6 million shares of common stock outstanding.

   About Praxis
   
   Praxis Precision Medicines is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for central nervous system disorders (CNS) characterized by neuronal imbalance. Praxis is applying insights from genetic epilepsies to broader neurological and psychiatric disorders, using our understanding of shared biological targets and circuits in the brain. Praxis has established a broad portfolio, including multiple disclosed programs across CNS disorders including depression, epilepsy, movement disorders and pain syndromes, with three clinical-stage product candidates. For more information, please visit https://praxismedicines.com/ and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

   Forward-Looking Statements
   
   This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws, including express or implied statements regarding Praxis' future expectations, plans and prospects, including, without limitation, statements regarding expectations and plans for presenting pre-clinical and clinical data, projections regarding future revenues and financing performance, our long-term growth, cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, the anticipated timing of our clinical trials and regulatory filings, the development of our product candidates and advancement of our preclinical programs, the timing, progress and success of our collaborations, as well as other statements containing the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "endeavor," "estimate," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "seek," "should," "target," "will" or "would" and similar expressions that constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

   The express or implied forward-looking statements included in this press release are only predictions and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, without limitation: uncertainties inherent in clinical trials and in the availability and timing of data from ongoing clinical trials; whether interim results from a clinical trial will be predictive of the final results of the trial; whether results from preclinical studies or earlier clinical studies will be predictive of the results of future trials; the expected timing of submissions for regulatory approval or review by governmental authorities; regulatory approvals to conduct trials or to market products; whether Praxis' cash resources will be sufficient to fund Praxis' foreseeable and unforeseeable operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements; risks, uncertainties and assumptions regarding the impact of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic on Praxis' business, operations, strategy, goals and anticipated timelines, Praxis' ongoing and planned preclinical activities, Praxis' ability to initiate, enroll, conduct or complete ongoing and planned clinical trials, Praxis' timelines for regulatory submissions and Praxis' financial position; and other risks concerning Praxis' programs and operations are described in additional detail in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and other subsequent filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Although Praxis' forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by Praxis. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Praxis undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

   PRAXIS PRECISION MEDICINES, INC.

   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

   (Amounts in thousands)

   (Unaudited)

   	March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
   Assets
   Cash and cash equivalents	$	131,152			$	296,608
   Marketable securities	139,659				—
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,753				5,718
   Property and equipment, net	109				82
   Operating lease right-of-use assets	571				754
   Other non-current assets	9				15
   Total assets	$	279,253			$	303,177
   Liabilities and stockholders' equity
   Accounts payable	$	5,774			$	4,088
   Accrued expenses	7,386				10,869
   Operating lease liabilities	578				763
   Common stock	4				4
   Additional paid-in capital	442,524				437,007
   Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(86		)		—
   Accumulated deficit	(176,927		)		(149,554		)
   Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	279,253			$	303,177

   PRAXIS PRECISION MEDICINES, INC.

   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

   (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

   (Unaudited)

   	Three Months Ended March 31,
   		2021				2020
   Operating expenses:
   Research and development	$	17,929			$	6,868
   General and administrative		9,490				1,601
   Total operating expenses		27,419				8,469
   Loss from operations		(27,419	)			(8,469	)
   Other income:
   Interest income, net		46				128
   Total other income		46				128
   Loss before benefit from income taxes		(27,373	)			(8,341	)
   Benefit from income taxes		—				11
   Net loss	$	(27,373	)		$	(8,330	)
   Accretion and cumulative dividends on redeemable convertible preferred stock		—				(2,064	)
   Gain on repurchase of redeemable convertible preferred stock		—				493
   Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(27,373	)		$	(9,901	)
   Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted	$	(0.71	)		$	(6.08	)
   Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted		38,470,710				1,629,340

   
   
   

   Investor Contact:
   Alex Kane
   Praxis Precision Medicines
   
   617-300-8481
   
   Media Contact:
   Ian Stone
   Canale Communications
   
   619-849-5388

   

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5. 30 April 2021 Praxis Precision Medicines Receives Orphan Drug Designation for PRAX-562 for the Treatment of SCN2A-DEE

   CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:PRAX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for central nervous system disorders (CNS) characterized by neuronal imbalance, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug designation to PRAX-562 for the treatment of SCN2A development and epileptic encephalopathy (SCN2A-DEE).  
   

   "We are pleased by the FDA's decision to grant orphan drug designation to PRAX-562 for the treatment of SCN2A-DEE," said Marcio Souza, president and chief executive officer of Praxis. "As a company built on understanding the genetics of epilepsy, we are deeply committed…

   CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:PRAX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for central nervous system disorders (CNS) characterized by neuronal imbalance, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug designation to PRAX-562 for the treatment of SCN2A development and epileptic encephalopathy (SCN2A-DEE).  
   
   

   "We are pleased by the FDA's decision to grant orphan drug designation to PRAX-562 for the treatment of SCN2A-DEE," said Marcio Souza, president and chief executive officer of Praxis. "As a company built on understanding the genetics of epilepsy, we are deeply committed to sodium channel research. The recognition by the FDA supports our comprehensive approach to developing treatment options for people living with mutations in the SCN2A gene. This now includes two differentiated and potentially complementary programs, PRAX-562 and PRAX-222, targeting SCN2A gain-of-function mutations in addition to a precision ASO targeting SCN2A loss-of-function mutations."

   PRAX-562 is a small molecule and is the first selective persistent sodium current blocker in development for the treatment of a wide range of rare CNS disorders. Praxis plans to initiate a Phase 2 clinical trial in the first half of 2022 to explore the potential for PRAX-562 to treat a range of rare pediatric DEEs, including SCN2A-DEE and SCN8A-DEE. PRAX-562 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial in adult healthy volunteers. 

   "Treatment with PRAX-562 has shown dose-dependent prevention of spontaneous seizures in an SCN2A animal model and complete reduction of seizures at the highest dose tested," said Bernard Ravina, M.D., chief medical officer of Praxis. "We are encouraged by these developments and the regulatory acknowledgement of SCN2A-DEE as an orphan disease, as we aim to bring forth treatments to those living with this devastating condition."

   The FDA's orphan drug designation program is designed to encourage and facilitate the development of investigational treatments for rare diseases that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. The designation provides various development and commercial incentives, including tax credits for clinical research costs, waiver or partial payment of application fees and market exclusivity for seven years following FDA approval. 

   About SCN2A-DEE 
   
   SCN2A-DEE is a rare developmental and epileptic encephalopathy caused by a variant in the SCN2A gene. The SCN2A gene is critical in the formation of sodium channel proteins in the brain, which control the flow of sodium ions into neurons. This movement of sodium ions is a major component of generating electrical signals called action potentials, the way in which the cells communicate. Many patients suffer from recurrent, typically drug-resistant seizures which can start as early as the first day of life. The seizures can be of multiple different types, up to dozens per day, with poor response to current treatment options. Patients with SCN2A-DEE have significant cognitive disabilities, ranging from moderate to severe; often movement disorders, such as dystonia or ataxia; and problems in other body systems such as gastrointestinal or ocular.

   About Praxis 
   
   Praxis Precision Medicines is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for central nervous system disorders (CNS) characterized by neuronal imbalance. Praxis is applying insights from genetic epilepsies to broader neurological and psychiatric disorders, using our understanding of shared biological targets and circuits in the brain. Praxis has established a broad portfolio, including multiple disclosed programs across CNS disorders including depression, epilepsy, movement disorders and pain syndromes, with three clinical-stage product candidates. For more information, please visit www.praxismedicines.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. 

    
   
   

   
   
   

   Investor Contact: 
   Alex Kane  
   Praxis Precision Medicines 
     
   617-300-8481 
   
   Media Contact: 
   Ian Stone 
   Canale Communications 
    
   619-849-5388 

   

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