Opioid use disorder (OUD) causes high morbidity and mortality rates, with fentanyl driving unprecedented overdose rates. Researchers from the University of California have used an AI-based drug discovery platform with the aim of identifying preclinical drug candidates for OUD.

Serotonergic G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including the 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR) and 5-HT2CR, are key regulators of cortical signaling pathways and promising targets for neurotherapeutic drug discovery. Researchers from the University of Texas System have developed AB-0124, a 5-HT2AR allosteric ligand, and JPC-0323, a dual 5-HT2AR/5-HT2CR allosteric ligand, with the aim of overcoming issues with direct agonists of these receptors for treating substance abuse disorders, like cocaine use.

Bacillus anthracis is a spore-forming soil bacterium that becomes metabolically active when taken up by a host, causing anthrax. Research efforts are now focused on developing new classes of antibiotics effective against both wild-type and fluoroquinolone-resistant B. anthracis.

At the 2025 European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Congress in Amsterdam this week, researchers presented new findings on the role of endocannabinoids in stress, addiction … and the integrity of the blood-brain-barrier.

Orexo AB’s subsidiary Orexo US Inc. has been awarded $8 million in funding by the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to support the development of OX-390, an intranasal rescue medication for adulterated opioid overdoses.

Atai Life Sciences NV has been awarded a multiyear, milestone-driven grant worth up to $11.4 million by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to support development of Atai’s novel 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonists with nonhallucinogenic potential for opioid use disorder.

Mira Pharmaceuticals Inc. has announced new animal study results with SKNY-1, highlighting its potential as an oral therapeutic to address both obesity and nicotine addiction. This follows the recent report of in vitro data on SKNY-1.

Mira Pharmaceuticals Inc. has reported new in vitro preclinical data supporting the therapeutic potential of SKNY-1, a next-generation oral drug candidate being developed by Skny Pharmaceuticals Inc.