Ensysce Biosciences Receives $14 Million NIH Grant for Clinical Development of Novel Opioid with Overdose Protection
Summary
Lynn Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive Officer of Ensysce Biosciences, commented, "This non-dilutive award by NIDA is another meaningful vote of support by the federal government for the development of this novel class of opioids with overdose protection. With this funding, adding to the two prior grants of over $26 million for the initial work on the MPAR and opioid use disorder (OUD) programs, Ensysce intends to quickly drive PF614-MPAR through clinical development to make its benefits available in a large market where we believe unmet need is high. "PF614-MPAR is designed to provide optimal pain relief at prescribed doses yet limit accidental or intentional overdose by shutting down opioid release if too much active drug is consumed. PF614-MPAR could herald a new class of treatment for the most severe forms of pain and could save lives, as each capsule contains built-in protection against both abuse and overdose which plague traditional opioids. Ensysces products are anticipated to provide safer options to treat patients suffering from severe pain and assist in preventing deaths caused by medication abuse.