Mind Medicine Inc. (NEO: MMED), more commonly known as MindMed, recently launched a program to develop R(-)-MDMA for treating symptoms related to autism spectrum disorder. The move also reflects the firm’s efforts to diversify its drug development pipeline, which currently includes studies on psychedelics and pain treatment.
In particular, the program aims to treat social anxiety and impairments in social functioning related to the disorder. The firm said there are no approved therapies for the core symptoms and “there remains a significant unmet need for novel therapies” to support people with the disorder.
“The compelling clinical efficacy of MDMA coupled with the unique pharmacological benefits of its R(-) enantiomer suggest that there is an enormous opportunity to bring this second generation psychedelic program to market with the potential for new clinical applications, novel treatment paradigms, and enhanced accessibility,” said MindMed CEO Robert Barrow.
The psychoactive drug MDMA — which contains two structurally unique enantiomers, R(-) and S(+) — is currently being developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. Data suggests that the R(-) enantiomer can maintain pro-social and empathogenic benefits while demonstrating fewer signs of stimulant activity, neurotoxicity, hyperthermia, and abuse liability. Hence, the firm said the profile of R(-)-MDMA could have the potential for novel and more accessible delivery models and repeat dosing.
The biotech firm plans to initiate the clinical trials for the program in 2022, with plans to compare the MDMAs with different enantiomers: R(-)-MDMA, S(+)-MDMA, and R/S-MDMA.
Mind Medicine Inc. last traded at $3.00 on the NEO.
Information for this briefing was found via Sedar and MindMed. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
