BetterLife Pharma Inc (CSE:BETR, OTCQB:BETRF), a biotech company focused on the development and commercialization of cutting-edge treatments for mental disorders, revealed that it has obtained additional positive data confirming the anti-depressant activity of its lead compound 2-bromo-LSD (BETR-001) in preclinical models of depression.
The study is part of the Vancouver-based company’s collaboration with the laboratory of Dr Argel Aguilar-Valles at Carleton University's Department of Neuroscience.
BETR-001 (formerly TD-0148A) is a second-generation Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) derivative molecule that the Candian biotech believes will mimic the therapeutic potential of LSD without causing psychedelic effects, such as hallucinations.
The current study evaluated the anti-depressant activity of BETR-001 on depressive-like behavior of mice in a forced swim test. The amount of time mice spend immobile (a depression-like behavior) was significantly reduced 24 hours after treatment with a single dose of BETR-001 (1.0 mg/kg) compared to the untreated control group, noted the company.
BetterLife pointed out that BETR-001 had “no effect on the locomotion behavior of mice” in the study, suggesting the “increased mobility” in the forced swim test was due to the LSD derivative molecule’s anti-depressant activity.
"We are very pleased with these preclinical results as they show that BETR-001 efficacy in the forced swim test is consistent with 2-bromo-LSD's 5-HT2A agonist activity, promotion of neural plasticity, and its anti-depressant effect in stress-induced preclinical depression model, as demonstrated in previous studies by BetterLife,” BetterLife CEO Ahmad Doroudian said in a statement.
“The mounting evidence on BETR-001 efficacy in preclinical models of depression leaves little doubt on its therapeutic potential in depression and related disorders," he added.
Dr Argel Aguilar-Valles noted that “LSD and other psychedelic drugs” have been shown to have anti-depressant effects, and non-hallucinogenic derivatives of these drugs such as “BETR-001 represent a promising alternative."
BETR-001, which is in preclinical and IND-enabling studies, is a non-hallucinogenic and non-controlled LSD derivative so it is unique in that it’s unregulated and can therefore be self-administered. The synthesis patent for BETR-001 eliminates regulatory hurdles, noted the company.
The company’s pending patent for composition and method of use covers the treatment of depression, cluster headaches, post-traumatic stress disorder and other neuro-psychiatric and neurological disorders.
Meanwhile, BETR-002, is in preclinical and IND-enabling studies, and is based on honokiol, the active anxiolytic ingredient of the magnolia bark. The firm’s pending method of use and formulations patent covers the treatment of anxiety-related disorders including benzodiazepine dependency.
BetterLife also owns a drug candidate for the treatment of viral infections such as COVID-19.
Contact the author Uttara Choudhury at uttara@proactiveinvestors.com
Follow her on Twitter: @UttaraProactive
