M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor Inhibitors
1 drugsAbout M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor
The M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M4 mAChR) is a G protein-coupled receptor activated by acetylcholine, playing a crucial role in CNS physiological processes. It modulates neuronal excitability, neurotransmitter release, and synaptic plasticity within the central nervous system.
The M4 receptor is a significant target for drug development, particularly for CNS disorders. Currently, there is no genetic evidence data available linking this target to specific diseases, highlighting an area for future investigation.
There is one FDA-approved drug, COBENFY, targeting M4 mAChR, developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb for CNS indications. COBENFY is a small molecule approved in 2024.
Strategic Insights
ℹ️ How we calculate- White space opportunity in Mania with only 1 trials.
Top M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor Drugs
Bristol-Myers Squibb is the only company with an approved drug targeting the M4 receptor.
Low competition presents an opportunity for new entrants, but also indicates potential challenges in the target's tractability.
M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor Drug Modality Landscape
Modalities
Routes of Administration
Only one approved drug targets M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, using small molecule modality.
Explore alternative modalities like antibodies or biologics to differentiate from existing treatments.
M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor Clinical Trials 31 trials
Completion by Phase
| Phase | Total | Completed | Failed | Active | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 100% |
| Phase 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100% |
| Phase 3 | 12 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 88% |
| Phase 4 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 100% |
Top Sponsors
By Modality
Top Conditions
Top Drugs
M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor Drug Approval Timeline (2024 - 2024)
The first and only drug, COBENFY, was approved in 2024, marking the beginning of M4-targeted therapies.
Recent approval suggests renewed interest, but long-term success depends on clinical efficacy and market adoption.
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Deep insights for drug target analysis
Competitive Landscape
- • 1 companies competing
- • Market share by company
Full Drug Portfolio
- • All 1 approved drugs
- • Approval dates & indications
Genetic Validation
- • Full genetic evidence table
- • Effect sizes & directions
Approval Timeline
- • Full 1-drug timeline
- • First-of-modality markers
Clinical Trials Analysis
- • Competition: High (12 sponsors)
- • White space: 10 underexplored indications
- • Success rates by condition
Full summary • All drugs • Genetic evidence • Trials • Timeline
How We Calculate These Metrics
Target Attractiveness Score
A 0-100 score based on trial activity, sponsor diversity, and completion rates. Calculated from 28 clinical trials targeting M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor.
Completion rate: Percentage of trials that reached their planned endpoint. Trials terminated early, withdrawn, or suspended are not counted—these often indicate safety issues, lack of efficacy, or strategic pivots.
- Highly Attractive (80+): High trial activity, many sponsors, strong completion rates
- Attractive (60-79): Good trial activity and validation
- Moderate (40-59): Moderate interest from sponsors
- Low (under 40): Limited trial activity or validation concerns
Strategic Insights
Auto-generated insights based on trial analytics including competition intensity, white space opportunities, modality shifts, and failure patterns. We analyze trial sponsors, phases, indications, and outcomes.
Risk Signals
- High Competition: Many sponsors competing for this target (may reduce market opportunity)
- High Failure Risk: Low trial completion rates suggest development challenges
- Low Validation: Limited trial activity or poor outcomes indicate uncertain viability
- White Space Available: Underexplored indications present opportunities