BetterLife Pharma Inc (CSE:BETR, OTCQB:BETRF) revealed promising findings from a study on its lead candidate BETR-001 (2-bromo-LSD), a non-hallucinogenic Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) derivative molecule.
The Vancouver-based biotech said the study on BETR-001, titled “A Non-Hallucinogenic LSD Analog with Therapeutic Potential for Mood Disorders” has been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal publishing research papers called Cell Reports.
The study expands on previously reported positive data by performing an extensive pharmacological characterization of BETR-001 in comparison with LSD. BetterLife said the results show distinct central nervous system “aminergic receptors pharmacological differences” between BETR-001 and LSD.
READ: BetterLife Pharma files comprehensive patent for BETR-001 and other LSD derivatives
“These include 5-HT2A receptor partial agonism and lack of psychedelic-like effects in vivo for BETR-001 in contrast to LSD,” noted the company.
In addition, the study demonstrates “a lack of 5-HT2B agonism” for BETR-001 in contrast to the 5-HTB agonism caused by LSD, and therefore a “projected safer cardiovascular profile for BETR-001,” it added. Finally, the study shows BETR-001 induces neuroplasticity both in vitro and in vivo while promoting “active coping behavior” in mouse models of depression and anxiety.
In a statement, BetterLife CEO Ahmad Doroudian said: “This is the first comprehensive preclinical characterization of 2-bromo-LSD, using BetterLife’s proprietary patent pending BETR-001, in collaboration with several leading scientists in this field including Dr Adam L Halberstadt (University of California San Diego), Dr Argel Aguilar-Valles (Carleton University), and Dr John D McCorvy (Medical College of Wisconsin).”
He noted that the findings show key differences between LSD and BETR-001 pharmacology and highlight the “significant potential therapeutic benefits and improved safety profile of BETR-001.”
“We are further encouraged to study the therapeutic potential of BETR-001 in human clinical trials projected to start by end of 2023,” added Doroudian.
BetterLife is developing two compounds, BETR-001 and BETR-002, to treat neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. BETR-001, which is in preclinical and IND-enabling studies, is a non-hallucinogenic and non-controlled LSD derivative in development and it’s unique in that it is unregulated and so can be self-administered.
Meanwhile, BETR-002, which is in preclinical and IND-enabling studies, is based on honokiol, the active anxiolytic ingredient of magnolia bark. The biotech’s pending method of use and formulation patent covers the treatment of anxiety-related disorders including benzodiazepine dependency.
Contact the author Uttara Choudhury at uttara@proactiveinvestors.com
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