Psilera Inc. Secures Major NIH Grant to Pioneer Breakthrough Treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder

In a significant boost for the future of addiction treatment, Psilera Inc., a leading neurotherapeutics company, has announced a momentous achievement: securing a highly competitive Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a crucial component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

This prestigious Phase I grant is specifically earmarked to accelerate Psilera’s groundbreaking research into next-generation psychoactive compounds and innovative delivery systems designed to combat Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

This funding represents a critical endorsement of Psilera's scientific approach and its potential to revolutionize how we address this pervasive public health challenge.

Alcohol Use Disorder remains a formidable adversary, affecting millions globally and imposing an immense societal burden. Current treatment options often struggle with low efficacy rates, high relapse occurrences, and undesirable side effects, underscoring an urgent need for novel, more effective therapeutic strategies.

Psilera Inc. is stepping into this void with a bold vision: harnessing the therapeutic potential of psychedelic-derived compounds to create safer, more targeted, and non-addictive medicines.

At the heart of Psilera's funded research is PSIL-002, the company's lead molecule. This novel 5-HT2A agonist represents a cutting-edge approach to targeting the neurological pathways implicated in AUD.

What makes Psilera's strategy particularly innovative is its focus on developing compounds that can deliver the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics with a reduced or non-hallucinogenic profile, thus enhancing patient safety and accessibility.

Accompanying PSIL-002 is an equally pioneering transdermal delivery system.

This method promises to offer a controlled, sustained release of the therapeutic agent, potentially improving patient compliance, reducing dosing frequency, and minimizing systemic side effects compared to traditional oral administrations. The synergy between the novel compound and its sophisticated delivery mechanism could redefine the treatment landscape for AUD.

The NIH SBIR grant will directly support rigorous preclinical studies to thoroughly evaluate the efficacy of PSIL-002.

Researchers will meticulously assess its potential to significantly reduce alcohol consumption and alleviate the intense cravings that are hallmarks of AUD. These studies are vital for establishing a robust scientific foundation and advancing PSIL-002 toward clinical trials.

Dr. Jackie Salm, Psilera's Chief Operating Officer, expressed profound gratitude and enthusiasm for the grant.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this SBIR grant from the NIAAA,” she stated. “It not only validates the innovative science behind our approach but also empowers us to accelerate the development of truly transformative treatments for AUD, an area with immense unmet medical need.”

Dr.

Chris McCurdy, Chief Scientific Officer at Psilera, highlighted the company's commitment to scientific rigor. “This funding is instrumental in allowing us to further explore the therapeutic potential of PSIL-002. Our goal is to develop medicines that are not only effective but also safe and accessible for patients struggling with AUD.

This grant pushes us closer to that reality.”

The company’s Scientific Advisory Board, including esteemed experts like Dr. Scott Thompson, further reinforces the scientific credibility of Psilera’s endeavors. Their collective expertise guides the company's research and development, ensuring a pathway toward impactful clinical solutions.

This grant underscores Psilera's unwavering dedication to innovation in neurotherapeutics.

By pioneering the development of safer, non-addictive psychedelic-derived medicines, Psilera Inc. is poised to offer new hope and effective solutions to individuals and families impacted by the devastating consequences of Alcohol Use Disorder, promising a brighter future for addiction treatment.