Novel MDMA Analogue Screening Program Advanced
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
ASX Announcement
22/09/2021
Novel MDMA analogue screening program advanced
Highlights:
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A comprehensive preliminary analysis has been completed on the first batch of
compounds from Emyria’s exclusively optioned MDMA analogue library, developed at
the University of Western Australia (UWA)
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Nuclear-magnetic resonance (NMR) screening and high performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC) have confirmed excellent purity and long-term stability at
room temperature for all compounds evaluated
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The first batch of compounds are now being prepared for formal neurological
screening and comprehensive drug candidate selection and analysis
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An initial set of neurological targets and anti-targets has been identified in
consultation with Emyria’s key clinical advisors
●
A PhD qualified chemist has been appointed to manage the MDMA analogue
screening program, in collaboration with UWA staff
Emyria Limited (ASX: EMD) (Emyria or the Company), a data-backed drug development and
care delivery company, is pleased to report that the first batch of MDMA analogues exclusively optioned to Emyria - demonstrate excellent purity and stability at room
temperature.
The purity checks were conducted with nuclear-magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
and further confirmation was completed with high performance liquid chromatography
(HPLC).
These analyses confirm the high purity and stability of the first 50% of the MDMA analogue
library, which is required prior to advancing the screening process. Further testing is now
being finalised for the remainder of the library while this first batch of compounds is being
prepared for neurological receptor target screening.
Neurological target analysis
Discussions have also advanced with a major pharmaceutical discovery and screening
company, specialising in comprehensive drug candidate selection and an initial set of
neurological targets and anti-targets has been selected in collaboration with Emyria’s key
advisors (See ASX releases 20 August, 16 September 2021).
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The planned drug candidate screening panels will provide a comprehensive selection of
key in vitro assays and safety models that will help support the prioritisation and
progression of the most promising drug candidates within the MDMA library. Screening
results can also assist in the consideration of suitable clinical indications for the
compounds.
A Research Assistant has been hired to assist Emyria in managing the MDMA library. The
individual is an PhD qualified chemist who has experience with neurological health
research across SE Asia, Australia, UK and the US, including University of Cambridge
(schizophrenia project), CHDI Foundation (Cure Huntington’s Disease Initiative) and the
National University of Malaysia.
Emyria’s Managing Director, Dr. Michael Winlo, said: “We’re delighted to confirm that
the first batch of MDMA-analogues evaluated show excellent purity and stability.
This is an important first step in our drug development program, which can now progress
to comprehensive neurological receptor screening.
Emyria’s clinical network and data infrastructure is uniquely positioned and committed
to advancing MDMA-assisted therapy in Australia, and MDMA drug development
globally, to help treat a variety of major psychiatric and neurological conditions.”
Emyria’s MDMA focus
In addition to Emyria’s MDMA-assisted psychotherapy clinical program (EMDMA-001),
Emyria recently secured exclusive rights to a library of more than 100 novel MDMA
analogues from UWA, creating a unique drug-discovery pipeline. (See ASX
announcements 05 May, 29 June and 05 August 2021)
The library of MDMA compounds has been developed by the highly regarded research
group of medicinal chemist, Dr. Matt Piggott, who has been working with MDMA
analogues, and exploring their therapeutic potential, for more than 10 years.
Emyria is currently screening and expanding the existing library in order to identify
families of patentable compounds with the greatest promise as new psychedelic-assisted
therapies and treatments for other neurological disorders.
Emyria is leading a global patent strategy, already underway, as well as the further clinical
development and commercialisation of this underexplored research space
Emyria’s MDMA analogue development program has the potential to result in the
registration and commercialisation of multiple, novel, CNS-active compounds to help treat
patients with major unmet needs.
The company will provide further updates as the program advances.
This announcement has been approved and authorised for release by the Managing
Director of Emyria Limited.
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For further information:
Dr. Michael Winlo
Managing Director
1300 436 363
mwinlo@emyria.com
Lexi O’Halloran
Media/Investor Relations
+ 61 (0) 404 577 076
lexi@janemorganmanagement.com.au
Andrew Williams
Media Relations
+61 (0) 412 614 125
andreww@profilemedia.com.au
About Emyria (www.emyria.com)
Emyria Limited is a data-backed clinical drug development and care delivery company.
Emyria’s Treatments target large unmet needs and are focused on obtaining approval
(“registration”) with major global regulators. Emyria’s treatment development programs
are informed by insights generated from extensive analysis of Emyria Data - deep,
ethically-sourced clinical evidence that is gathered with patients across Emyria’s
independent clinical services (Emerald Clinics - www.emeraldclinics.com.au)
Emyria Data provides deep treatment insights and is therefore a source of unique IP,
strategically designed drug development and personalised care programs.
Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for the
Company, the company’s strategy, future operations, and other statements containing the words
“anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “target,”
“potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” and similar expressions, constitute
forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such
forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the Company’s
ability to successfully develop its product candidates and timely complete its planned clinical
programs and the Company’s ability to obtain marketing approvals for its product candidates. In
addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represents the Company’s
views as of the date hereof. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments
will cause the Company’s views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these
forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any
obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing
the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof.
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