ATAI Life Sciences has announced a deal with US-based Neuronasal Inc. for development of intranasal N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for the treatment of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI, or concussion). ATAI said that it expects initiation of a pilot study in healthy volunteers in February 2020.
According to a Neuronasal presentation, the drug would be delivered via the Aptar UDS device. The company was looking to raise $150,000 for the pilot study and $3.5 million for Phase 1 development if the pilot study is successful. The Phase 1 program has been designed in conjunction with the US Army, the presentation says, and the US Department of Defense would be asked for funding of Phase 2.
ATAI Life Sciences Chief Medical Officer Matthias Luz commented, “It’s clear that concussions and other mTBIs are more than just uncomfortable. In the hours and days after trauma, these injuries trigger a pathophysiological cascade that can result in significant, life-limiting conditions if not adequately addressed.”
Neuronasal CEO Thomas Bradshaw said, “Neuronasal has the potential to transform the way we treat those most at risk of mTBI, with applications in sports, the military, and daily life. Unsurprisingly, we’ve seen incredible interest from everyone from the Department of Defense to the National Collegiate Athletic Association.”
Read the ATAI Life Sciences press release.
