Myosin Therapeutics Secures $3 Million Grant for MT-110 Clinical Trials
Myosin Therapeutics, a pioneering biotechnology firm based in Jupiter, Florida, has made headlines with the announcement of a substantial $3 million grant awarded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). This funding, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is earmarked for a new Phase 1 clinical trial focused on MT-110, a novel therapy designed to address methamphetamine use disorder (MUD).
Methamphetamine addiction has become a severe public health crisis in the United States, affecting over 2.5 million individuals, with no FDA-approved treatments currently available. The rising number of overdose deaths, which surged last year, underscores the urgency of effective treatment options. Myosin Therapeutics is stepping up to fill this critical gap with MT-110, a first-in-class intervention targeting the mechanisms of stimulant addiction.
The NIDA grant falls under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, aimed at promoting the development of innovative technologies with high public health potential. Dr. Pat Griffin, co-founder of Myosin Therapeutics, expressed gratitude toward NIDA for their support, emphasizing the significance of MT-110 in combating MUD. According to Griffin, “There are currently no FDA-approved medications for methamphetamine use disorder, and we believe MT-110 has the potential to fill this critical unmet need.”
MT-110 has its roots in NIH's Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network, where it underwent rigorous preclinical development, supported by a collaborative framework that brings together public and private sectors. This extensive research journey has culminated in a therapy that targets a molecular nanomotor protein, aiming to disrupt the brain's addictive processes without diminishing natural rewards.
Preclinical investigations revealed promising results regarding MT-110's safety and efficacy, laying a solid foundation for its transition into human trials. Dr. Karen Smith, Chief Medical Officer at Myosin Therapeutics, pointed out the devastation MUD brings to lives and communities, highlighting the limited treatment avenues currently available that primarily focus on behavior modification therapies. She added, “MT-110's long-lasting efficacy in preclinical studies following just a single administration makes it particularly promising, as a daily medication can be challenging for this population.”
The clinical trial will evaluate MT-110's safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics, crucial factors that will guide its development as a potential therapeutic option. As the trial progresses, it will pave the way for further advancements in treating methamphetamine addiction, an area with significant unmet medical needs.
Myosin Therapeutics, founded in 2020 by Drs. Courtney Miller, Patrick Griffin, and Theodore Kamenecka, is dedicated to exploring innovative solutions for various neurological and cancer-related disorders. Their development approach centers on harnessing the unique properties of molecular nanomotor proteins to address complex health challenges.
As MT-110 advances through the clinical trial phase, the hope is that it can set new standards in the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder, providing help to those suffering from this debilitating condition. With the results of the clinical trials, Myosin Therapeutics aims not only to contribute to medical science but also to make a positive impact on public health outcomes.
For further information about Myosin Therapeutics and their innovative approach to treating neurological disorders, visit
www.myosintherapeutics.com.