Funded Projects

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Project # Project Title Research Focus Area Research Program Administering IC Institution(s) Investigator(s) Location(s) Year Awarded
1UG3DA050308-01
Clinical Evaluation of C4X3256, a Non-Opioid, Highly-Selective Orexin-1 Receptor Antagonist for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA Indivior Heidbreder, Christian North Chesterfield, VA 2019
NOFO Title: Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3) (Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-19-002
Summary:

There is a need for pharmacologic treatment options for opioid use disorder (OUD) that do not pose addiction liability and do not require complete withdrawal from opioids prior to treatment. Nonclinical studies support a role for the orexin system in drug seeking; compounds that selectively block signaling at the orexin-1 receptor (OX1R) reduce drug use. C4X3256, a non-opioid, highly selective OX1R antagonist, has a long residence time at the OX1R along with reduced intravenous self-administration and cue-induced reinstatement in animal models of nicotine addiction, suggesting it could be an addiction treatment. Proposed studies will move C4X3256 from preclinical development through Phase I testing in subjects with OUD. The clinical, preclinical, and supporting pharmaceutical development studies proposed will allow C4X3256 to move to Phase II studies.
1UG3DA050923-01
AMPA Antagonism: A Novel Pharmacology for Launching Recovery from Opioid Addiction Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA INDIANA UNIV-PURDUE UNIV AT INDIANAPOLIS Chambers, Robert Indianapolis, IN 2020
NOFO Title: Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3) (Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-19-002
Summary:

The excruciating multiday experience of opioid withdrawal syndrome (OWS), is exacerbated by the opioid antagonist drugs naloxone and naltrexone. This industry-academia collaboration will explore the potential of the glutamate AMPA receptor antagonist Tezampanel (TZP). Animal studies have shown reduced hyperactivity in brain circuits involved in OWS, without relying on direct stimulation or antagonism of the opioid system ,and has already been delivered to over 500 human subjects and found to be safe for a potential migraine indication. This proposal will build up the evidence needed to apply for and conduct open label and blinded placebo-controlled human trials of TZP safety and efficacy for OWS. If successful, this project will allow planning for a pivotal registration trial for TZP for OWS, and as a transitional treatment to long-term recovery on naltrexone and help us stem the tide of the opioid crisis.
1UG3DA050323-01
Cannabidiol in the treatment of opioid use disorder Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA Icahn School of Medicine Mount Sinai Hurd, Yasmin New York, NY 2019
NOFO Title: Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3) (Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-19-002
Summary:

Responding to urgent calls for non-opioid treatment, this research group has been evaluating the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, for the treatment of some clinical aspects of opioid use disorder (OUD). Preclinical animal studies show that CBD decreases cue-induced heroin-seeking behavior during drug abstinence, associated with incubation of craving. Clinical work has also shown that CBD was safe in combination with a potent opioid agonist to address a potential relapse condition and decreased craving and anxiety associated with heroin cues in abstinent individuals with heroin use disorder. Building on this foundation, the researchers will investigate an oral CBD powered by a novel patented technology (leveraging the kinetics of long-chain fatty acid absorption) in a gelcap delivery system that improves bioavailability, reduces the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects, reduces first pass metabolism, and enhances onset time. This study could lead to the development of a non-opioid, non-intoxicating FDA-approved medication to reduce opioid craving and relapse and restore global functioning in individuals with OUD.
5UG3DA048385-02
Development of novel therapeutics for opioid dependence Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI Kenny, Paul J. New York, NY 2019
NOFO Title: Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3) (Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: DA19-002
1UG3DA048385-01
Development of novel therapeutics for opioid dependence Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI KENNY, PAUL J.; KAMENECKA, THEODORE M New York, NY 2018
NOFO Title: Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3) (Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-19-002
Summary:

This project proposes to develop novel Gpr151 antagonists to facilitate long-term abstinence in opioid-dependent individuals. Gpr151 is an orphan G-protein coupled receptor that is expressed almost exclusively in the medial habenula and co-localizes with ?-opioid receptors to regulate the inhibitory effects of opioids on habenular neurons. Mice with a null mutation in Gpr151 (Gpr151-/- mice) are resistant to the stimulant and rewarding effects of opioids and self-administer lower quantities of oxycodone. Based on this preliminary work, the study will seek to identify Gpr151 antagonists through a variety of methods and optimize them for potency, selectivity, drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and brain penetration properties. The study will evaluate effects of those with the most favorable drug-like physiochemical properties on electrophysiological responses of medial habenula to opioid drugs and assess the in vivo efficacy of these novel antagonists in wild-type and Gpr151-/- mice.
1UG3DA048351-01
A Phase I/IIa Clinical Trial Testing the Safety and Immunogenicity of a Heroin Vaccine and its Efficacy Against Morphine Challenge. Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA HENRY M. JACKSON FDN FOR THE ADV MIL/MED MATYAS, GARY R Bethesda, MD 2019
NOFO Title: Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3) (Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-19-002
Summary:

In order to address the opioid crisis, this group has developed a candidate heroin/opioid vaccine that induces antibodies that bind heroin/opioid upon injection and subsequently prevent the drug from crossing the blood-brain barrier and interacting with the brain's µ-opioid receptor. They completed pre-clinical testing of the vaccine candidate in mice and rats and demonstrated that the animals were protected from subcutaneous and intravenous heroin challenge. Ongoing durability studies have demonstrated that antibody titer and protective efficacy were maintained 6 months after the last vaccination. This project proposes to advance the development of the vaccine candidate by conducting a Phase I/IIa human clinical trial, by performing vaccine synthesis, nonclinical studies, and then a clinical trial. The supplemental award will allow for testing the efficacy of fentanyl haptens and of the combination heroin–fentanyl vaccine.
3UG3DA048351-01S1
A Phase I/IIa Clinical Trial Testing the Safety and Immunogenicity of a Heroin Vaccine and its Efficacy Against Morphine Challenge. Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA HENRY M. JACKSON FDN FOR THE ADV MIL/MED MATYAS, GARY R Bethesda, MD 2019
NOFO Title: Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3) (Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-19-002
1UF1DA054817-01A1
Preclinical Development of Novel Dual OXR/KOR Antagonists for Treatment of Substance Use Disorder Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA HAGER BIOSCIENCES, INC. BUTERA, JOHN A Bethlehem, PA 2021
NOFO Title: Grand Opportunity in Medications Development for Substance-Use Disorders (U01 - Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: PAR-19-327
Summary:

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a serious public health and socioeconomic burden. In this project, researchers will develop novel drug compounds that dually target orexin receptors and kappa opioid receptors, which have both been implicated in SUD. The compounds will then be tested for effectiveness in preclinical models of SUD, including models of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl use. This research has the potential to provide highly impactful and innovative treatment options for SUD via simultaneous modulation of multiple signaling pathways.
1UG3DA049598-01
Novel Therapeutics for Opioid Use Disorder in the Acute Overdose and Maintenance Settings Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA Epiodyne, Inc. Schmidt, William San Francisco, CA 2019
NOFO Title: Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3) (Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-19-002
Summary:

Opioid use disorder (OUD) and opioid overdose (OD) are major health issues. Breathing can be restored after OD by naloxone, but its short half-life can require multiple administrations to reverse OD, and OD symptoms may return after initial reversal if illicit opioids are still present after the effects of naloxone have worn off. Additionally, while the standard treatment of OUD with buprenorphine and methadone reduces relapse and mortality, access and adoption are limited by dosage forms, metabolic liabilities, and potential for misuse and diversion. This study seeks to develop chemically novel, potent mu-opioid receptor (MOR) antagonists and low- and mid-efficacy partial agonists. Current lead counts can outcompete opioid overdoses in preclinical models with a longer half-life, a key naloxone liability for treating OD. The potent, low-efficacy partial agonists add a low opioid tone, diminishing the aversive effects of pure antagonists. These, and the mid-efficacy partial agonists, are leads to maintenance therapeutics for OUD.
1UG3DA047682-01
PF614 MPAR Abuse Deterrent opioid prodrug with overdose protection: Pre-Clinical Development and Phase 1 Clinical Trial Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA ENSYSCE BIOSCIENCES, INC. KIRKPATRICK, LYNN San Diego, CA 2019
NOFO Title: Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3) (Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-19-002
Summary:

Several abuse-deterrent opioid products (primarily formulations) are currently marketed or in clinical development, but they fall short of being resistant to abuse. Rather than abuse-deterrent formulations, this project, in partnership with Ensyce Biosciences, has created two complementary, novel technologies that control the release of known opioids. One technology delivers prodrugs — drugs that are not active until they have been exposed to the right conditions within the body, at which point they are gradually converted into active drugs, making them difficult to tamper with and reducing the potential for misuse. Another technology makes it so that taking increasing numbers of pills inhibits the process of converting prodrug into active drug, reducing the potential for overdose. This project aims to refine the development of these two technologies and work to combine them, and to translate promising animal results into human use.
1UG3DA050271-01
R-methadone-TAAP/MPAR: an abuse deterrent methadone prodrug with overdose protection: Pre-Clinical Development and Phase 1 Clinical Trial Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA Ensysce Biosciences, Inc. Kirkpatrick, Lynn San Diego, CA 2019
NOFO Title: Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3) (Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-19-002
Summary:

Methadone is useful in the treatment of opioid dependence; however, methadone misuse and methadone-related fatalities have increased. Ensysce has created two complementary, novel technologies that can be applied to methadone. Their Trypsin Activated Abuse Protection (TAAP™) prodrugs are “enzyme-activated” to release clinically effective opioid drugs only when taken orally and exposed to the correct physiologic conditions, such as exposure to trypsin in the small bowel. Their multi-pill abuse resistance (MPAR™) feature involves in situ bioregulation of opioid delivery from the TAAP™ systems, enabling control over oral multi-dose pharmacokinetic profiles. It is envisaged that an R-methadone-TAAP™ prodrug would demonstrate similar reduced addiction liability as with other opioid-TAAP products. The objective of this proposal is to develop an R-methadone-TAAP™/MPAR™ drug through Phase 1 clinical studies and to translate R-methadone-TAAP™/MPAR™ results into humans, to ultimately reduce the misuse and oral overdose potential of methadone.
5UG3DA047682-02
PF614 MPAR Abuse Deterrent opioid prodrug with overdose protection: Pre-Clinical Development and Phase 1 Clinical Trial Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA ENSYSCE BIOSCIENCES, INC. Kirkpatrick,Lynn San Diego, CA 2019
NOFO Title: Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3) (Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: DA19-002
3UG3DA048502-01A1S2
Non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation in opioid use disorders Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA EMORY UNIVERSITY BREMNER, JAMES DOUGLAS Atlanta, GA 2021
NOFO Title: Notice of Special Interest to Encourage Eligible NIH HEAL Initiative Awardees to Apply for PA-20-222: Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (Admin Supp - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: NOT-NS-20-107
Summary:

This research will expand the understanding of the effects of non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation on patients with opioid use disorder by examining the relationship between nerve stimulation and treatment, respiratory physiology, withdrawal symptoms, and relapse. Additionally, these relationships will be added to existing algorithms and equipment being developed by the Inan Research Lab at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Collecting and determining the quality of conventional respiration signals, as well as collecting high-resolution impedance based respiratory measurements, will help to determine the impact of non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation on breathing and lung function in people with opioid use disorder, toward development of a profile of physiological effects of non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation during opioid withdrawal.
1UG3DA048502-01A1
Non-Invasive Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Patients with Opioid Use Disorders Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA EMORY UNIVERSITY Bremner, James Douglas Atlanta, Georgia 2020
NOFO Title:
NOFO Number: PAR18-494
1UG3DA048745-01A1
Nalmefene Long-Acting Injectable (AP007) for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA Emergent Product Development Gaithersburg Inc. Barry, John Gaithersburg, MD 2019
NOFO Title: Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3) (Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-19-002
Summary:

Although medications are available to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), adherence with treatment programs remains a problem. Nalmefene is an opioid receptor antagonist that was previously approved for treatment of opioid overdose–induced respiratory depression that has a longer duration of action than naloxone. AP007 is a unique formulation of nalmefene-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles that when injected intramuscularly continually releases an effective dose of nalmefene and thus reduces opioid cravings in OUD patients. This group is developing AP007 and will have a lead formulation selected based on in vitro release kinetics data and in vivo pharmacokinetics data in rats. The objectives of the project are to determine safety and efficacy of AP007 in a swine opioid use/withdrawal model, preliminary safety in a first-in-human Phase 1 study, and preliminary efficacy in a Phase 2a multidose study. These results will be used to develop Phase 2 human and Phase 3 clinical studies.
1UG3DA048767-01
Development of a Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitor to Spare or Replace Opioid Analgesics Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA Eicosis, LLC Hammock, Bruce Davis, CA 2019
NOFO Title: Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3) (Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-19-002
Summary:

EicOsis is developing a first-in-class analgesic with efficacy against neuropathic pain that will reduce or replace the need for opioids and thus potentially prevent opioid use disorder (OUD). The target of the small molecule inhibitor EC5026 is the soluble epoxide hydrolase, a master regulatory enzyme that modulates the activity of endogenous bioactive lipids. The study will reach the next steps in clinical human clinical trials with EC5026 through additional preclinical studies to expand the efficacy into models of chronic pain conditions. Additionally, detailed pharmacokinetic, metabolism, and distribution studies are proposed that will provide the required information to optimize drug formulation and for advanced clinical trials examining efficacy in humans. EicOsis is meeting current development goals, and EC5026 is well positioned to meet the urgent need of reducing opioid use.
1R03DA046011-01A1
Opioid sparing potential of light-induced analgesia: a pilot trial of a novel, non-pharmacological treatment for pain Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA DUKE UNIVERSITY Gulur, Padma Durham, NC 2019
NOFO Title: NIDA Small Research Grant Program (R03 Clinical Trial Required)
NOFO Number: PA-18-634
Summary:

Exposure to opioid analgesics during medical care is a key driver of the opioid epidemic. Such exposures are widespread. Yet opioids remain essential first-line agents in treating pain, and it remains vital that pain be appropriately managed. Non-opioid pain treatments help to resolve the opioid/pain conflict. This project will examine the opioid-sparing and pain-relieving potential of a novel, non-pharmacological treatment for pain, using the effects of green light exposure to reduce pain and thereby reduce the quantity of opioids needed for pain relief.
1UG3DA048338-01A1
A Long-Acting Bioabsorbable Naltrexone Subcutaneous Implant for Opioid Use Disorder Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA DRUG DELIVERY COMPANY, LLC, THE COHEN, STEVEN M; BENNER, JEFFREY Salisbury, MD 2019
NOFO Title: Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3) (Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-19-002
Summary:

Naltrexone (NTX) has proven to be an important, safe, and effective therapy for helping patients overcome opioid use disorders (OUD) and for preventing overdose. Unfortunately, the therapeutic potential of NTX has been blunted by poor adherence. To combat this issue, a system must be developed to deliver NTX for longer durations than currently available and with a more patient-friendly format. To address this problem, we will develop a long-acting and bioabsorbable NTX subcutaneous implant for the treatment of OUD. The proposed research will (a) determine the optimal chemical preparation of NTX inside the implant, (b) optimize the composition and porosity of the drug delivery substrate, and (c) refine the surgical procedure and instrumentation to be used during implantation. Once the safety and efficacy of this novel NTX implant is established, we will conduct the necessary clinical trials. The proposed study is highly relevant to and complementary of other efforts, either in consideration or already deployed to stem the tide of the lingering opioid crisis. If successful, this solution has the potential to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability for those suffering from OUD.
1UG3DA050306-01
1-Year Sustained Release Naltrexone Implant for the prevention of relapse to opioid dependence Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA Delpor, Inc. Martin, Francis South San Francisco, CA 2019
NOFO Title: Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3) (Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-19-002
Summary:

There is a need for longer-acting prophylactic pharmacologic options for opioid use disorder (OUD) patients during maintenance therapy. This study tests a titanium implant loaded with a formulation of naltrexone and a naturally occurring carboxylic acid. The device is implanted subcutaneously with local anesthetic during an in-office procedure. The technology is based on a unique formulation that keeps the pH within the reservoir low and promotes passive diffusion of naltrexone. The benefits of the product include complete medication adherence for one year after administration, fewer relapses, smooth profile ensuring complete prophylaxis without sub-therapeutic plasma troughs, full reversibility, and similar efficacy with less drug exposure. This technology has been validated clinically with another drug and tested preclinically with naltrexone. This project will finalize the chemistry manufacturing and controls, produce IND supplies, conduct an IND-enabling safety study, and submit the IND.
1UG3DA058439-01
Transcutaneous Phrenic Nerve Stimulation for Treating Opioid Overdose Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA CORIDEA, LLC LEVIN, HOWARD (contact); COMER, SANDRA D; GUEDES, ALONSO; WAGENER, GEBHARD New York, NY 2023
NOFO Title: Device-Based Treatments for Substance Use Disorders (UG3/UH3, Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: PAR-20-279
Summary:

Difficulty breathing is a hallmark symptom of an opioid-related overdose and can result in permanent brain injury or death within minutes. This project will develop a community-deployable Automated External Respiration System device that can restore and sustain breathing in people experiencing opioid-induced respiratory depression. The device stimulates the phrenic nerve in the chest that controls breathing until other medical interventions are available or the patient recovers. The research will develop and validate the automated external respiration system for testing in human research participants and ultimately aims to develop a system usable in a community setting.
U01DA058548-01
Clinical Development of a Therapeutic Agent for Rapid Reversal of Methamphetamine Intoxication Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA CLEAR SCIENTIFIC, LLC LI, XINHUA Cambridge, MA 2023
NOFO Title: Grand Opportunity in Medications Development for Substance-Use Disorders (U01 - Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: PAR-19-327
Summary:

Currently there are no safe, rapidly acting treatments for methamphetamine use disorder and overdose. This project will evaluate a potential treatment: the small molecule CS-1103, which selectively attaches to methamphetamine in the blood. This molecule quickly removes methamphetamine blood and into urine for elimination from the body. The research will evaluate the safety and compatibility of CS-1103 with the human body, toward future clinical testing in humans. 
1UG3DA059286-01
A Therapeutic Agent to Lower the Level of Synthetic Opioids in the Body Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA CLEAR SCIENTIFIC, LLC LI, XINHUA Cambridge, MA 2023
NOFO Title: Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid and/or Stimulant Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3 - Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: PAR-22-200
Summary:

There is an urgent need for longer acting opioid overdose reversal medications to treat acute fentanyl intoxication and overdose. This project will develop a novel molecule (CS-1103) that sticks to fentanyl and removes it from the body. Previous research with animal models shows that CS-1103 has several features that make it attractive for a new medication. It can reverse fentanyl-induced respiratory depression, preventing another overdose; work in combination with naloxone; and appears to be safe and well-tolerated. The research will continue exploration of CS-1103 toward testing CS-1103 in human research participants.
1U01DA051071-01A1
Process Development, Manufacturing, and Preclinical Evaluation of a Monoclonal Antibody for Fentanyl Overdose Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA CESSATION THERAPEUTICS, LLC Bremer, Paul T. San Jose, CA 2020
NOFO Title: Grand Opportunity in Medications Development for Substance-Use Disorders (U01 - Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: PAR-19-327
Summary:

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a significant public health problem in the United States. Particularly troubling is the rapid evolution of an opioid epidemic within the past decade, characterized by a surge in unintentional overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. The current standard of care for opioid overdose is reversal with opioid antagonist naloxone. Naloxone is effective at reversing overdose from prescription opioids and heroin, but less effective when combating fentanyl, due to fentanyl?s high potency. Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against fentanyl could overcome this problem by specifically preventing the drug from entering the central nervous system, averting overdose and attenuating opioid-induced respiratory depression. This study will develop and design of laboratory protocols needed to establish a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) process, quality assurance protocol, and stability profile for a new human mAb against fentanyl. Subsequent production of current GMP material will enable Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) toxicology studies in rats and dogs and eventually a Phase I/IIa clinical trial. This material will also be used in final opioid-induced respiratory depression studies in mice and non-human primates to confirm therapeutic efficacy of final drug product. If successful, these activities will enable filing for an investigational new drug application for this mAb candidate with the FDA.
1UG3DA052173-01A1
Combating opioid addiction using CVL-936, a novel D3/D2 receptor antagonist Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA CEREVEL THERAPEUTICS, LLC CHAKILAM, ANANTHSRINIVAS RAO Cambridge, MA 2021
NOFO Title: Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3) (Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: PAR-20-092
Summary:

Opioid use and addiction affects more than 2 million Americans and contribute to a large proportion of all drug overdose deaths. Current treatments for opioid use disorder (e.g., methadone and buprenorphine) are not always effective, may be misused, and can have side effects that discourage treatment continuation. Therefore, Cerevel Therapeutics is evaluating a novel compound, CVL-936, which targets brain molecules called dopamine D3 receptors. These receptors are involved in the brain’s reward and relapse pathways and are present in higher levels in people with addictions. In animal studies, the molecule reduced self-administration of nicotine and fentanyl, including in relapse situations. The project will test the safety and tolerability of CVL-936 in animals and healthy humans and will examine its effectiveness in reducing craving in people with opioid use disorder.
1UG3DA052166-01A1
CVL-354, a kappa opioid receptor antagonist for treatment of opioid use disorder, withdrawal and relapse Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA CEREVEL THERAPEUTICS, LLC IREDALE, PHILIP Cambridge, MA 2021
NOFO Title: Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3) (Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: PAR-20-092
Summary:

Kappa opioid receptors (KOR) are expressed in brain areas that control reward, motivation, and anxiety. Upon opioid drug withdrawal and abstinence, dysregulated KOR signaling can result in aversive physical and affective states that are a major driver of relapse. Preclinical data have demonstrated that antagonism of KOR can reduce the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Currently, the alpha 2-adrenergic agonist lofexidine is the only approved therapy for the mitigation of the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal but it is only modestly effective and can have significant unwanted side effects. Cerevel Therapeutics has identified a novel selective KOR antagonist, CVL-354, with unique properties and good preclinical safety margins. This project will assess this drug in early human safety/pharmacokinetics and occupancy studies. Future studies will then be able to assess efficacy of this drug in acute opioid withdrawal.