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MIRA Pharmaceuticals Announces Positive Discovery of Ketamir-2’s Selective NMDA Binding Mechanism of Action
Latest positive preclinical data provides another step in the path to potential IND submission this year for novel ketamine analog MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE /
About this update from Mira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Latest positive preclinical data provides another step in the path to potential IND submission this year for novel ketamine analog MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2024 / MIRA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:MIRA) (\"MIRA\" or the \"Company\"), a leading pre-clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, today announced new insights garnered from additional, recently received preclinical study data regarding the mechanism of action and toxicology data for its novel oral ketamine analog, Ketamir-2.Ketamir-2 is MIRA's drug candidate being investigated as a potential treatment for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. The new preclinical study results announced today are the latest in a string of positive research developments which are progressing MIRA's goal of submitting an Investigational New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Ketamir-2 later this year.Mechanism of Action: Selective NMDA InhibitionThe latest preclinical data reveals that Ketamir-2 is a selective inhibitor of the NMDA receptor of glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the human brain, specifically interacting at the PCP-binding site of the NMDA complex. Ketamir-2 has a 30-50-fold lower affinity to the PCP site compared with ketamine. The lower affinity is important because at high affinity, compounds may affect neurobehavioral functions, potentially leading to side effects such as dissociation and hallucinations. Unlike traditional ketamine, which also affects several other sites on the NMDA receptor and interacts with opioid receptors, dopamine and serotonin transporters, and various acetylcholine receptors, Ketamir-2 exhibits unique selectivity and does not interact with these additional receptor sites. This selectivity is notable as it may contribute to a distinct pharmacological profile for Ketamir-2, potentially reducing the risk of side effects associated with these other interactions.The potential benefits of Ketamir-2's selective binding also include:1. Reduced Side Effects: By targeting only the NMDA receptor at the PCP-binding site, Ketamir-2 appears to avoid the broader spectrum of ketamine interactions with other receptors and transporters. This specificity may help minimize unwanted side effects, such as dissociation, hallucinations, and addictive potential, often observed with ketamine use.2. Impr...