The preBötzinger complex (preBötC) appears to play a relevant role in opiate-induced respiratory depression, as suggested by studies in animal models. However, limited research concerning preBötC physiology in humans has been conducted, and no human in vitro models of the preBötC exist.

Phoenix Pharmalabs Inc. has reported findings from in vivo studies that demonstrated that the company’s lead compound, PPL-138, reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and decreased alcohol consumption in a rat model of PTSD/alcohol use disorder (AUD). The studies were conducted at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and Florida Atlantic University under a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense.

Antoxa Corp. and Swiftpharma BV have signed an exclusive collaboration agreement to support the development and commercialization of a plant-made monoclonal antibody against ricin exposure.

Ceramedix Holding LLC has been awarded a phase IIB Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant valued at approximately US$3 million by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to support the evaluation of the non-clinical pharmacology of its lead drug candidate. The anti-ceramide antibody is in development through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a potential therapeutic to mitigate and/or treat illness due to radiation exposure.

Mu opioid receptors (MOR) agonists exert strong anti-nociceptive activity but their ability to cause tolerance and physical dependence are serious issues of concern and limit their use. The activation of another branch of opioid receptors discovered lately, the opioid-related nociceptin receptor 1 (OPRL1) has recently shown the ability to enhance MOR agonist-induced analgesia while limiting tolerance and side effects.

New treatment options are needed for the prevention of relapse to alcohol use, the major problem in the treatment of alcohol dependence in humans. The neuropeptide relaxin-3/RXFP3 plays a relevant role in the motivation for the reward process and is considered a possible therapeutic target in addictive behaviors.

Amygdala Neurosciences Inc. has been awarded a $2.0 million NIH grant to support IND-enabling and early-stage development of its selective, reversible, orally bioavailable aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) inhibitor ANS-858 to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Cessation Therapeutics Inc. has obtained IND clearance from the FDA to initiate a first-in-human trial of CSX-1004 for the prevention of fentanyl overdose. The trial in healthy volunteers is expected to begin next month.