- Algernon Pharmaceuticals is carrying out a preclinical study on DMT as a possible treatment for stroke, with plans to follow this with a clinical trial in 2021.
- The first-of-its-kind preclinical study will be conducted at Charles River Laboratories’ research facility in Kuopio, Finland.
- Algernon’s research is focused on microdoses of DMT administered intravenously.
A preclinical trial that will assess the effectiveness of DMT as a stroke treatment will take place in Finland this year. Canadian pharmaceutical development company Algernon Pharmaceuticals (CSE: AGN) (FRANKFURT: AGW) (OTCQB: AGNPF), based in Vancouver, has entered into an agreement with Charles River Laboratories to carry out preclinical studies of AP-188 (DMT) for the company’s stroke clinical research program. The first-of-its-kind preclinical study will be carried out at Charles River Laboratories’ Finnish research facility located in Kuopio.
Announcing the partnership on February 8, Algernon said the company plans to be the first in the world to pursue DMT for stroke in humans and that a clinical trial would begin as soon as possible in 2021. “Repurposing DMT from its psychedelic effects to a new potential treatment for stroke could have a positive impact on the millions of people that suffer the debilitating consequences of a stroke each year,” the company said in a statement.
“The company’s decision to investigate DMT, called ‘the Spirit Molecule’, and move it into human trials for stroke, is based on multiple independent positive preclinical studies demonstrating that DMT helps promote neurogenesis as well as structural and functional neural plasticity. These are key factors involved in the brain’s ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections which are needed for healing following a brain injury.”
Algernon Pharmaceuticals CEO Christopher Moreau added that Charles River Laboratories was a recognized world leader in pre-clinical neurological studies. “The company is very pleased to have retained Charles River Labs, a trusted vendor that we have worked with before on other research projects. They have all of the necessary permits and licenses to handle DMT which will allow us to move quickly with our research program,” Moreau said.
Algernon’s Research to Focus on Microdoses of DMT
Algernon’s research will focus on sub-hallucinogenic or microdose levels of DMT provided by continuous intravenous administration. “By pursuing a continuous active microdose, the goal will be to provide patients with the therapeutic benefits of DMT without having a psychedelic experience. This is an important element when considering a patient who has just suffered a stroke, wherein medications that cause a hallucinogenic response would cause unwanted confusion and stress,” the company said.
As part of its recently established clinical research program for the treatment of stroke focused on DMT, Algernon has filed provisional patents for new forms of DMT, the formulation, dosage, and method of use claims of ischemic stroke, and for combination therapy of DMT and Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT). The company plans to conduct a number of preclinical research trials as it works towards clinical trials which include research on the potency of new forms of DMT, toxicology, treatment timing and duration, and DMT in combination with CIMT.
