Neuropeutics Receives Temerty Innovation Prize for Student Entrepreneurship
H2i is pleased to announce Marc Shenouda, CEO and Co-Founder of Neuropeutics, as the recipient of the 2025 Temerty Innovation Prize for Student Entrepreneurship!
The Temerty Innovation Prize recognizes a Temerty Medicine-affiliated student entrepreneur who has demonstrated strong progress and impact over the past year. In its fifth year, the prize has been made possible by the generous gift from James and Louise Temerty and the Temerty Foundation. As an endowed prize, it will support student entrepreneurs from the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto in perpetuity.
A Targeted Approach to Neurodegenerative Disease
Neuropeutics is developing targeted therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Its lead program, JRMS-22, is a small-molecule treatment designed to address TDP-43 protein aggregation, a key driver in diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The company is now completing pre-clinical development and preparing for clinical studies.
Neuropeutics was founded to address a clear gap. Research has advanced, but patient outcomes have not improved at the same pace. During his PhD, Marc studied the biology behind these diseases. At the same time, he saw the urgency through clinicians and patients.
“Scientific breakthroughs only matter if they reach the people who need them,” Marc shares.
Together with co-founder Professor Janice Robertson, he focused on moving beyond research. The goal was to turn strong science into a therapy that can reach patients.
Funding and Partnerships Support Continued Progress
Since its founding, Neuropeutics has made steady progress. The company has secured over $1 million in non-dilutive funding through grants and awards.
More recently, it was awarded about $880,000 through the Regional Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP), supported by Genome Canada and Ontario Genomics. This funding supports the development of its ALS therapeutic and reflects growing momentum behind the venture.
For Marc, the most important milestone is building a clear path from discovery to patients. Each step is focused on moving closer to real impact.
In 2025, the company partnered with LifeArc in the UK to advance its drug program. The team also received the AbbVie Biotech Innovators Award, gaining access to lab space and mentorship.
The company has also been recognized globally. It placed Top 3 in Canada and Top 12 worldwide at the Entrepreneurship World Cup 2024, selected from more than 17,000 companies. Additional recognitions include wins at True Blue Desjardins and Sweet Biopharma Day, and a Top 10 placement at LiONS LAIR 2024.
Marc notes that building Neuropeutics required a shift in mindset. “Great science isn’t enough. You have to build the path that gets it to patients.” Moving from discovery to development meant focusing on clinical strategy, regulatory planning, and execution.
He also learned the value of strong partnerships. Progress came from working with experienced teams who understand drug development beyond the lab.
He shares simple advice for early founders: Start with a real problem. Focus on a few key milestones that reduce risk. Work with people who bring experience.
Ecosystem Support at The University of Toronto
Support from the University of Toronto ecosystem has played an important role. Programs such as the Entrepreneurship for Commercialization of Health Opportunities (ECHO) Program, Building a Biotech Venture (BBTV), Lab2Market, SpinUP and UTEST helped the team test their approach and refine their value. The U of T Innovations Office also supported its IP strategy. Through Health Innovation Hub (H2i), Neuropeutics accessed mentorship, industry insight, and a strong founder network.
Advancing Toward Clinical Development
Neuropeutics is now focused on advancing JRMS-22 through the next stage of pre-clinical work. This includes testing across disease models and completing studies needed for regulatory submission.
The Temerty Prize will support this next phase. It will help accelerate key development work and extend the company’s runway. It also brings added visibility, which can support future partnerships and funding.
For Marc and the team, the goal is clear. To move a promising therapy from the lab to patients who need better options.