• Pharmadrug (PHRX) advances the Opthalmology program with the final selection of Lead DMT-analogue to give sustained control of elevated intraocular pressure for Glaucoma
  • This decision derives from the demonstration of lead candidate superiority as it relates to in vitro potency in two predictive bioassays
  • It intends to advance its program in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) by entering into a second sponsored research collaboration with TIBI
  • In addition, it will also use the research to engineer a medical device capable of sustained drug delivery to the front of the eye
  • Concentrations expected to be within the therapeutic range were found to not statistically impact the cell viability of the drug-loaded medical devices
  • PharmaDrug Inc. (PHRX) is in the grey, trading at C$0.045 at 1:25 pm ET

PharmaDrug (PHRX) has selected its final lead drug candidate from a shortlist of six N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) analogue molecules.

This decision derives from the demonstration of lead candidate superiority related to in vitro potency in two predictive bioassays, a favourable toxicity profile, and physical, chemical, and metabolic properties.

The above decision is necessary to fabricate a proprietary medical device capable of delivering sub-psychedelic levels of the drug to the front of the eye over a sustained period.

The company intends to advance its primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) program by entering into a second sponsored research collaboration with TIBI to undertake mechanism of action studies and optimize medical device drug release characteristics.

Paul Van Slyke, CSO of PharmaDrug, commented, “We are excited to announce that in collaboration with TIBI, we have completed the studies necessary to elect the company’s lead drug candidate for the treatment of POAG.”

Under the terms of the first sponsored research agreement, PharmaDrug’s DMT-analogue research program is aimed to elect a drug development lead based on biological potency and toxicity.

In addition, it will also use the research to engineer a medical device capable of sustained drug delivery to the front of the eye.

It has now selected its lead candidate and completed the fabrication and initial testing of its novel medical device designed to deliver therapeutic quantities of its DMT-analogues to the front of the eye.

Specifically, drug-loaded medical device prototypes were suspended in a biological solution meant to mimic the somewhat harsh environment of the eye.

Samples, maintained at body temperature were removed at defined periods over sixteen days and were quantified to determine the concentration and rate of drug release and breakdown.

The stability of the lead candidate molecule met the necessary criteria set forth by the company. The biocompatibility of drug-loaded medical devices was examined by quantifying cell proliferation and live/dead staining on human ciliary muscle cells over time.

Concentrations expected to be within the therapeutic range were found to not statistically impact the cell viability of the drug-loaded medical devices.

Most recently, the potency of the lead candidate was evaluated in an in vitro cyclic adenosine 3′:5′ monophosphate (cAMP) production assay using human, primary trabecular meshwork (TM) cells and ciliary muscle (CM) cells.

Its lead candidate demonstrated potent cAMP production following application, a statistically significant superiority compared to other candidate molecules examined, and an unexpected bias towards cAMP production in TM cells versus CM cells.

Collectively results from the first phase of the sponsored research agreement will be used to draft an upcoming Provisional Patent application which describes the use of tryptamine family members, fabricated into a proprietary medical device, to treat conditions marked by elevated intraocular pressure.

The global market for glaucoma was estimated by Market Scope at $4.8 billion in 2019, with the U.S. market representing $1.9 billion.

Current treatments for POAG primarily consist of eye drops that can be grouped into three main categories: prostaglandin analogues, carbonic anhydrous inhibitors, and alpha-2 agonists.

While these approaches usually provide partial improvement, they often result in side effects such as redness and stinging and require multiple daily applications, diminishing patient compliance.

The Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation is a biotechnology institute that develops medical devices and cutting-edge protocols for various diagnostic, monitoring, and treatment applications. 

PharmaDrug is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on researching, developing, and commercializing controlled substances and natural medicines such as psychedelics, cannabis, and naturally-derived approved drugs.

PharmaDrug owns 100 per cent of Pharmadrug Production GmbH, a German medical cannabis distributor, with a Schedule I European Union narcotics license and German EuGMP certification allowing for the importation and distribution of medical cannabis to pharmacies in Germany and throughout the European Union. 

PharmaDrug Inc. (PHRX) is in the grey, trading at C$0.045 at 1:25 pm ET.

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