Emyria Ltd (ASX:EMD)’s novel MDMA analogue screening program continues to advance following a purity check on its first batch of MDMA compounds.
The program’s maiden cohort of MDMA analogues, exclusively optioned to Emyria, demonstrated excellent purity and stability at room temperature during a preliminary screening.
As a result, the first batch of compounds is now being prepared to undergo a deeper level of analysis.
In tandem with the program’s advances, a PhD-qualified chemist has been appointed to manage the MDMA analogue screening program.
“An important first step”
Commenting on the progress to date, Emyria managing director Dr Michael Winlo said: “We’re delighted to confirm that the first batch of MDMA-analogues evaluated show excellent purity and stability.
“This is an important first step in our drug development program, which can now progress to comprehensive neurological receptor screening.
“Emyria’s clinical network and data infrastructure is uniquely positioned and committed to advancing MDMA-assisted therapy in Australia and MDMA drug development globally, to help treat a variety of major psychiatric and neurological conditions.”
MDMA screening program advances
As it embarks on the novel MDMA screening program, Emyria has completed preliminary analysis over half of its analogue library, developed in conjunction with the University of Western Australia (UWA).
The purity checks were conducted using nuclear-magnetic resonance spectroscopy, while further confirmation was provided thanks to high-performance liquid chromatography.
Overall, these analyses confirm the high purity and stability of the first 50% of the MDMA analogue library, which is required before EMD can advance the screening process.
Further testing is now being finalised for the remainder of the library, while this first batch of compounds is being prepared for neurological receptor target screening.
This will involve a formal neurological screening and a comprehensive drug candidate selection process.
To facilitate this, discussions have also advanced with a major pharmaceutical discovery and screening company, which specialises in comprehensive drug candidate selection.
Next steps
In addition to the analyses, an initial set of neurological targets and anti-targets has been selected for the program in collaboration with Emyria’s key advisors.
Essentially, the proposed drug candidate screening panels will provide a comprehensive selection of key in-vitro assays and safety models.
These will help support EMD prioritise and advance the most promising drug candidates within the MDMA library.
Screening results can also help Emyria consider suitable clinical indications for the MDMA compounds.
Finally, a research assistant has been hired to assist Emyria in managing the MDMA library.
The individual is a PhD-qualified chemist who has experience with neurological health research across Southeast Asia, Australia, the UK and the US.
Emyria’s MDMA focus
In addition to Emyria’s MDMA-assisted psychotherapy clinical program, Emyria recently secured exclusive rights to a library of more than 100 novel MDMA analogues from UWA, creating a unique drug discovery pipeline.
Dr Matt Piggott, who has been working with MDMA analogues and exploring their therapeutic potential for more than 10 years, has developed the library of MDMA compounds.
Emyria is currently screening and expanding the existing library in order to identify the patentable compound families with the greatest promise as new psychedelic-assisted therapies and treatments for other neurological disorders.
The company is leading a global patent strategy, already underway, as well as the further clinical development and commercialisation of this underexplored research space
All in all, the MDMA analogue development program has the potential to result in the registration and commercialisation of multiple, novel, CNS-active compounds to help treat patients with major unmet needs.
As the program advances, Emyria vows to keep the market updated.