Awakn Life Sciences, a biotechnology company focused on addiction, has initiated a new chemical entity (NCE) development programme to strengthen its pipeline for the treatment of a broad range of addictions. The company has also announced the appointment of Evotec as its NCE research partner and the selection of Professor David Nutt as program lead.
Awakn will use this to build on its position and experience as a clinical phase biotechnology company to develop a range of new candidates to treat several poorly addressed addictions. Awakn will focus on addictions where the consequences for the patient, their family and society are at present severe.
Professor David Nutt commented, “The molecules we are targeting will bring together the best therapeutic characteristics of MDMA; will have a more rapid onset of activity, and a short half-life, in a research space where we expect to secure patent protection and have freedom to operate.”
“Our ambition is to fully integrate effective psychedelic-based treatment into mainstream healthcare to better treat Addiction” said Anthony Tennyson, Awakn’s CEO. “Some of the world’s leading research data now lies with us, we have a clinical team with unparalleled experience in treating addiction, and now the appointment of a leading global research partner will significantly speed up this process.”
