Blackstone Bets Big on Neuroscience: Neurvati Appoints Commercial Chief for Rare Disease Pipeline

NEW YORK, NY – November 13, 2025

A Shift Towards Proactive Commercialization

Neurvati Neurosciences, a neuroscience development platform backed by Blackstone Life Sciences, has appointed Carlos Martin as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), a move signaling a commitment to integrating commercial strategy early in the company’s development process. This appointment, while seemingly a standard executive hire, points to a larger trend in the biopharmaceutical industry: increased private equity investment in neuroscience coupled with a proactive approach to building commercial infrastructure before late-stage clinical trials. The company, focused on developing therapies for challenging neurological disorders, views this as critical to maximizing the potential of its pipeline, most notably Radiprodil, an investigational treatment for GRIN-related neurodevelopmental disorder (GRIN-NDD).

“There’s a growing realization that neuroscience, historically a high-risk area, is becoming more tractable with advances in genetics and technology,” noted one industry analyst. “But simply having promising science isn’t enough. You need to have a clear pathway to commercialization, and that requires bringing in experienced leaders like Carlos Martin early on.”

Radiprodil: Hope for a Rare Disease Community

Neurvati’s lead asset, Radiprodil, is being developed as a potential first-in-class therapy for GRIN-NDD, a rare and devastating genetic disorder affecting neurological development. GRIN-NDD is caused by mutations in GRIN genes, leading to symptoms like intellectual disability, epilepsy, and developmental delays. There are currently no FDA-approved treatments that address the underlying cause of the disease, creating a significant unmet medical need.

Radiprodil has shown encouraging results in early clinical trials, demonstrating a potential to reduce seizure frequency and improve cognitive function in patients with GRIN-NDD. It recently received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA, expediting its development and review. The drug is a selective negative allosteric modulator of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B (NMDA GluN2B), acting to correct overstimulation in the GRIN pathway.

“The early data with Radiprodil is incredibly promising, and the Breakthrough Therapy Designation is a major milestone,” stated a physician specializing in rare genetic disorders. “Patients and families affected by GRIN-NDD desperately need new treatment options, and this drug offers a glimmer of hope.”

A pivotal Phase 3 trial, BeeLine, is slated to begin mid-2025 and aims to evaluate Radiprodil's impact on both seizure control and functional outcomes. Martin’s role will be crucial in preparing for the potential launch of Radiprodil, ensuring market access, and establishing relationships with key stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups and payers.

Blackstone's Broader Neuroscience Strategy

This appointment and Neurvati’s focus align with a growing interest from Blackstone Life Sciences in the neuroscience space. Blackstone has been strategically investing in late-stage clinical assets with high potential, recognizing the significant unmet needs in neurological disorders. Their investment model emphasizes de-risking investments by focusing on assets with existing clinical data and proactively building commercial infrastructure.

“Blackstone is taking a long-term view of neuroscience,” explained a financial analyst covering the healthcare sector. “They’re willing to invest in challenging areas where other investors are hesitant, but they’re also demanding a clear path to commercial success. The appointment of Carlos Martin demonstrates their commitment to that goal.”

Blackstone’s approach differs from traditional pharmaceutical development, where commercialization is often an afterthought. By bringing in experienced commercial leaders early on, they aim to accelerate the path to market and maximize the return on their investment. They've demonstrated this approach previously with Anthos Therapeutics, a cardiovascular-focused company, proving their ability to incubate and build value in innovative biotechs.

Martin’s experience in successfully navigating the complexities of gene therapy commercialization at Rocket Pharmaceuticals is particularly valuable. This expertise will be critical in preparing for the unique challenges of launching a therapy for a rare genetic disorder, including securing reimbursement and establishing specialized treatment centers. The establishment of GRIN Therapeutics, an affiliate of Neurvati funded by Blackstone, further highlights this strategic approach to building dedicated resources around promising assets.

Furthermore, Blackstone's commitment to providing significant capital to Neurvati and GRIN Therapeutics, along with operational expertise, demonstrates a clear long-term investment strategy for the platform. This includes de-risking potential roadblocks in clinical development and providing the resources for advanced manufacturing and distribution once the product is approved.