#Switzerland #NLS Pharmaceutics #Zurich #Mazindol ER #fentanyl

NLS Pharmaceutics Highlights Mazindol ER's Efficacy Against Fentanyl Dependency

NLS Pharmaceutics Ltd., the Swiss biopharmaceutical pioneer, is set to share groundbreaking preclinical results related to Mazindol ER at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology (ASCP) Annual Meeting, scheduled from May 27 to May 30, 2025, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona. The company will present its findings on the dual efficacy of Mazindol in mitigating both the rewarding effects of fentanyl and the discomfort associated with withdrawal.

Key Insights from Study KO-943

NLS Pharmaceutics' presentation will focus on poster titled, Evaluating the Effects of Mazindol on Fentanyl Reward and Dependence in C57BL/6J Mice and Sprague-Dawley Rats (Study KO-943), which highlights significant findings from experiments led by Key-Obs SAS in partnership with renowned European academic institutions.

Findings from Experiment 1: Reward Model

In a Controlled Environment, experiments were conducted using a conditioned place preference (CPP) model, which is a recognized measure for assessing drug reward. The data revealed that administering Mazindol at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg dramatically diminished the rewarding effects of fentanyl in C57BL/6J mice. This correlated with a significant decrease in the conditioned place preference, effectively nullifying the behavioral reinforcement typically associated with fentanyl exposure.

Findings from Experiment 2: Withdrawal Model

The second phase of the study focused on withdrawal symptoms in Sprague-Dawley rats. Here, Mazindol was found to alleviate fentanyl withdrawal symptoms proportionately to the dosage given — both 0.5 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg resulted in reduced agitation, salivation, and motor disturbances, as categorized by the Gellert-Holtzman scale. These promising effects underscore Mazindol's potential as a non-opioid treatment alternative for individuals facing fentanyl addiction.

Experts Share Their Insights

Dr. Jean-Charles Bizot, Director of Research at Key-Obs SAS and the study's lead investigator, expressed optimism regarding the findings, stating, "The study results indicate significant reductions in both reward and withdrawal symptoms, highlighting Mazindol's promise as a therapeutic candidate for fentanyl dependence. We believe this warrants further investigation in clinical settings."

In addition, Dr. Eric Konofal, Chief Scientific Officer of NLS Pharmaceutics, noted the importance of Mazindol's multi-target pharmacological profile. He explained, "Mazindol appears to provide a multi-modal approach, acting on various receptors including the partial mu-opioid agonist pathway and 5-HT1A receptor activity. This uniqueness may present an effective strategy to alleviate opioid-related symptoms, differentiating it from current stimulant and non-stimulant medications used for ADHD, which lack efficacy in managing opioid withdrawal."

Implications for Broader Health Challenges

The research circles back to critical health challenges associated with the opioid crisis. In the context of ongoing struggles with opioid use, the need for innovative and effective therapies is more pressing than ever. Mazindol's dual action in both addressing reward and withdrawal nuances may lead it to surpass current treatment options, especially considering that standard ADHD medications have not proven effective in treating fentanyl dependence.

As the research community eagerly anticipates clinical trials and validation of these findings, patients struggling with opioid dependency may find hope in emerging therapies targeting the psychological and physiological components of addiction.

Conclusion

The upcoming ASCP Annual Meeting will provide a platform not only for NLS Pharmaceutics to unveil its latest discoveries but also to foster crucial conversations on the future of treating fentanyl addiction. The organization is committed to further exploring Mazindol's potential in clinical environments, aiming to pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in the biopharmaceutical landscape compliant with the urgent need for viable treatment options.

About ASCP and NLS Pharmaceutics Ltd.

The ASCP Annual Meeting remains a central forum for advancements in neuropsychopharmacology and psychiatric science, underscoring the importance of developing innovative treatments for CNS disorders. NLS Pharmaceutics Ltd. continues to forge ahead with initiatives aimed at addressing rare and complex disorders, aligning its goals with the broader mission of improving patient outcomes worldwide.