Psilera Inc. Secures NIH Grant for Alcohol Use Disorder Research
This Small Business Innovation Research Grant will advance a novel neuroplastogen towards IND as a potential treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
The 3-year, milestone-driven grant valued at up to $2 million from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) signifies an important step forward for Psilera Inc. in developing innovative therapies aimed at addressing AUD.
Psilera Inc., a pioneering biotechnology firm focused on creating effective treatments for difficult neurological and mental health conditions, has proudly announced its recent funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to research AUD. This endorsement validates the company’s goals of providing groundbreaking therapeutic solutions to patients who often go untreated.
Impact of the Grant on Research Progress
"We are thankful to the NIH for this funding which will enable us to quickly advance our research into AUD," stated Dr. Jackie von Salm, Co-founder and CSO of Psilera. "Neuroplastogens hold tremendous promise in treating a range of devastating and debilitating diseases, and this endorsement further emphasizes their potential as a future addiction therapy."
The challenge of AUD is significant in the United States, with approximately 30 million adults affected by the disorder, yet only around 8% of them pursue treatment. Psilera is well aware of this gap, firmly believing that neuroplastogens—biochemical compounds that promote the reconfiguration of neuronal pathways in the brain—can assist these individuals in overcoming ingrained behavioral patterns.
Exploring the Potential of Neuroplastogens
Recent pre-clinical studies have shown that Psilera's innovative psilocybin derivative could serve as a new, non-opioid treatment option for those facing challenges with alcohol consumption. Utilizing the advanced Psilera Third Eye™ platform, this unique neuroplastogen was identified from an extensive compound library through a focused screening campaign that targeted the serotonin receptor 5-HT2A. This compound has successfully completed initial safety and toxicity assessments while specifically aiming at the serotonergic and glutaminergic pathways often disrupted by AUD.
If this promising new therapy is approved, it would offer individuals with AUD a non-hallucinogenic, non-addictive alternative to current treatments. Such an advancement could enable therapy to be administered at home, effectively diminishing the stigma surrounding AUD treatment and easing the burdens many patients face.
About Psilera Inc.
Psilera Inc. is a biotechnology research and development organization dedicated to revolutionizing how medicines are perceived and utilized globally. Through leveraging the power of natural products, the company is advancing neuroplastic therapies to aid those suffering from neurodegeneration and addiction. Notably, Psilera has established a remarkable pipeline of next-generation neuroplastogens, including PSIL-006, designed to treat frontotemporal dementia (FTD). To explore more about this exciting progress in modern medicine, visit www.psilera.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of grant did Psilera Inc. receive?
Psilera received a Small Business Innovation Research Grant from the NIH, worth up to $2 million.
What is the aim of Psilera's research funded by the NIH?
The research aims to develop a novel neuroplastogen as a treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
Who is Dr. Jackie von Salm?
Dr. Jackie von Salm is the Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Psilera Inc.
How prevalent is Alcohol Use Disorder in the U.S.?
Nearly 30 million adults in the U.S. are affected by AUD, with only about 8% seeking treatment.
What is a neuroplastogen?
A neuroplastogen is a compound that assists in reshaping neuronal pathways in the brain, which can help treat various neurological issues.
