Endosane Pharmaceuticals is taking an essential step towards realising its vision for the future: In addition to the already advanced development of the cannabinoid-based compound for the treatment of schizophrenia, Endosane is vigorously investigating further compounds in its own portfolio for the treatment of other mental disorders. Unlike the potential schizophrenia drug, the development of these compounds are still in the so-called preclinical phase, but existing data on related molecules strongly indicate the potential clinical efficacy. If successful, the imminent studies will constitute a solid basis for rapid further development. Endosane is aiming to start clinical trials within 2022.
Post-traumatic stress disorders are a group of mental disorders that are widespread and all characterised by the experience of significant trauma. Those affected are permanently restricted in their way of life. There are often considerable impairments of sleep and the re-experiencing of traumatic life situations. According to the current research, PTSD is caused by an overload of the brain’s processing capacities for dealing with the negative memories created by the trauma, which can resurface in an uncontrolled manner. Currently, available medications are primarily aimed at helping people cope with the symptoms they are experiencing, particularly anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep disorders.
Support for processing the trauma
Like all the other active pharmaceuticals in Endosane’s portfolio, the molecules in question act via the body’s own endocannabinoid system. However, unlike other active ingredients, these are not cannabinoids but synthetic molecules that alter the concentration of the body’s own endocannabinoids by inhibiting certain enzymes. The development of these molecules was based on various basic research studies in memory research, which showed a connection between changes in the balance of the body’s endocannabinoid system and the ability to process memories. The results suggest that it is possible to influence the processing of trauma by targeting this system. Therefore, the new compounds would not primarily treat the visible symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia, but the root cause, which is the processing of negative memories.
“We see the endocannabinoid system, as with our active substance for the treatment of schizophrenia, as a modulator of the neurophysiological balance that is offering the possibility of addressing not only the visible symptoms, but the cause itself,” says Prof. Dr. Leweke, Medical Director of Endosane Pharmaceuticals. Even more importantly, the use of the endocannabinoid system would intervene much more ‘gently’ in the neurophysiological structure of the patient than currently available drugs. The chance of considerably reduced side effects is therefore significant.
Collaboration with UCI
It is no coincidence that the upcoming studies are being carried out at UCI. Prof. Dr. Daniele Piomelli is responsible for research in this field. Like Prof. Leweke, Prof. Piomelli is a pioneer in the field of study into the endocannabinoid system. In particular, the drug class being researched – so-called FAAH-inhibitors – was co-developed by him. “We are very pleased to be able to explore these compounds together with Prof. Piomelli at UCI,” said Max Narr, Managing Director of Endosane Pharmaceuticals. “We are very optimistic that the preclinical studies will provide a clear indication regarding efficacy. If this assumption is confirmed, we will aim to conduct a Phase I clinical trial within the next year.”
About Endosane Pharmaceuticals
Endosane Pharmaceuticals GmbH is a pharmaceutical company based in Berlin aiming to develop and commercialise new finished drugs to treat neurological, neuropsychiatric, and psychiatric conditions. Therefore, Endosane is systematically exploring the endocannabinoid system for its potential to modulate neurophysiological balance. The current compound portfolio contains compounds for treating several indications, including schizophrenia, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. More information at www.endosane.com.
About Prof. Dr. Daniele Piomelli
Prof. Dr. Piomelli is a Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the School of Medicine. He holds the Louise Turner Arnold Chair in Neurosciences and joint appointments at the Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology departments. He is also a director at the Institute for the Study of Cannabis and Editor-in-Chief of “Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research”.