Biotech company starts phase 2a study for alcohol use disorder psychedelic treatment

Key takeaways:

• Beckley Psytech announced a phase 2a study of its novel intranasal psychedelic treatment for alcohol use disorder.
• Results are expected later this year.

A clinical-stage biotechnology company announced it is starting a phase 2a trial of its lead candidate for the treatment of alcohol use disorder, according to a company press release.

The study is based on positive phase 1 results of the intranasal psychedelic compound 5-MeO-DMT (BPL-003, Beckley Psytech). The data established BPL-003 to be well-tolerated with a reproducible and dose-linear pharmacokinetic profile, according to the release.

To test BPL-003, researchers at King’s College London will administer a single dose of the psychedelic to patients with alcohol use disorder. Patients will also participate in an abstinence-focused cognitive behavioral intervention. The researchers will follow participants for 12 weeks to assess safety and efficacy, according to the release.

“There is increasing evidence demonstrating the therapeutic effect of psychedelics for substance use disorders,” Cosmo Feilding Mellen, CEO of Beckley Psytech, said in the release. “We are proud to be at the forefront of this field of research, exploring how short-acting formulations like BPL-003 might address and reduce the burden that conditions like alcohol use disorder have on individuals, society and health care systems more broadly.”

The first patient is expected to be treated in April, with preliminary results coming later this year.