DMT is an agonist of multiple receptors, including serotonin receptors and the sigma-1 receptor. Sigma-1 is a multi-faceted stress-responsive receptor which promotes cell survival, neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, and neuroimmunomodulation. Further, DMT promotes the release of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein which can aid in stroke recovery.
“I am delighted that Algernon NeuroScience has begun their Phase 1 DMT study,” said Dr.
Algernon consultant Dr.
The purpose of the Phase 1 study is to identify the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of DMT when administered as an intravenous bolus followed by prolonged infusion, for durations which have never been studied clinically. In addition, several pharmacodynamic measures believed to be associated with neuroplasticity, including both measurements of biochemical markers and electroencephalographic readings, will be recorded.
The first part of the study will use a single-escalating dose design aimed at identifying a safe and tolerable dose that will not produce psychedelic effects, while the second part will test the effects of repeated administrations of this same dose. There will be up to 60 healthy volunteers enrolled across the two parts of the study, which will include both psychedelic experienced and psychedelic naïve patients.
Since there have already been several Phase 1 studies successfully conducted on DMT, the Company is not anticipating any serious adverse events or safety issues arising from the study. The resulting data generated will help the Company to plan both a Phase 2 acute stroke and rehabilitation study more effectively.
The Company has been working with its DMT and stroke experts from its medical advisory board to help design the planned Phase 2 studies in acute stroke and rehabilitation. The planned studies are expected to dose patients immediately following confirmation of their ischemic stroke diagnosis by imaging and will test the effects of DMT versus placebo on both the progress of the infarct and also on patients’ recovery following the stroke.
“This Phase 1 study is an important milestone as we advance our investigation of DMT for the treatment of stroke,” said
About DMT
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, or DMT, is a hallucinogenic tryptamine drug producing effects similar to those of other psychedelics like LSD, ketamine, psilocybin and psilocin. DMT occurs naturally in many plant species and animals including humans and has been used in religious ceremonies as a traditional spiritual medicine by indigenous people in the Amazon. DMT can also be synthesised in a laboratory.
Algernon has filed patents for DMT pamoate and nicotinate (novel salt forms of DMT), in addition to formulation, dosage and method of use claims for ischemic stroke. The Company has also filed claims for combination therapy of DMT and stroke rehabilitation including Constraint Induced Movement Therapy.
About Algernon NeuroScience
Algernon NeuroScience is a private equity subsidiary of
About Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc.
CONTACT INFORMATION
CEO
604.398.4175 ext 701
info@algernonpharmaceuticals.com
investors@algernonpharmaceuticals.com
www.algernonpharmaceuticals.com.
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