- Lennham’s new patent family is based on newly discovered metabolic properties of psilocybin
- The patent family is directed at the methods of using psilocybin and its active metabolite, psilocin, in patient populations that have traits that may affect the metabolism and pharmacological effects of psilocybin
- The pending patent may cover information in the eventual labelling of any psilocybin- or psilocin-based product
CONCORD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#psilocybin–Lennham Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage start-up focused on the creative use of deuterium chemistry to improve the metabolic and pharmacological profile of existing compounds, today announced that it has established a new patent family arising from discoveries made during its preclinical research on psilocybin and its active metabolite, psilocin. Lennham’s patent application is directed to methods of using psilocybin and psilocin in select patient populations, and may be broadly applicable to the approved use of any psilocybin-based products, including those containing naturally-derived or synthetic psilocybin as well as derivatives and analogs of psilocybin such as deuterated psilocybin.
“While psilocybin has shown incredible promise as a potential treatment for major depressive disorder and other psychiatric diseases and disorders, there is still much to be discovered about its metabolism in humans. In advancing its deuterated psilocybin program, Lennham has discovered that certain patient populations have traits that may affect the metabolism and, consequently, the pharmacological effects of psilocybin and its active metabolite, psilocin,” said Bradford C. Sippy, Founder and CEO of Lennham. “We believe that the use of psilocybin or psilocin in these patient populations will likely require a new approach to administration of those products. Our new patent family covers methods of using psilocybin and psilocin in these patient populations, which we believe will be incorporated into the eventual labeling for those products.”
Lennham plans to share its findings at upcoming scientific meetings and submit its results for publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
About Psilocybin
Psilocybin is a well-known, naturally occurring chemical in certain mushrooms that is known to produce hallucinogenic (psychedelic) effects in humans when consumed. It is currently being evaluated as a potential treatment for treatment-resistant depression1 and major depressive disorder, among other diseases and conditions.
About Deuterated Psilocybin
Deuterium is a naturally occurring, stable isotope of hydrogen, with an additional neutron in its nucleus. Selectively substituting hydrogen with deuterium, or deuteration, is a way to alter a molecule’s metabolic profile while maintaining the core pharmacodynamic characteristics.
Deuteration strengthens the chemical bond between two elements. Depending on where deuterium is placed, it has the potential to alter the overall metabolism of a molecule, or to reduce conversion to specific, unwanted metabolites.
Deuteration has been successfully leveraged in several approved and/or late-stage pharmaceutical products.
Psilocybin exposure and pharmacological effects are known to be enhanced by concomitant use of MAO inhibitors.2 Selective deuteration of psilocybin may slow the metabolism of psilocin via MAO by inhibiting the demethylation of psilocin, potentially resulting in improved pharmacokinetics.
About Lennham Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Lennham is a privately held, clinical-stage life sciences company focused on the creative application of deuterium chemistry to highly utilized and well-characterized compounds. Founded in 2019, Lennham’s unique approach to deuteration has enabled it to rapidly develop a pipeline of product candidates, including deuterium-enriched forms of psilocybin, caffeine, and an androgen-receptor agonist.
For more information please visit www.lennham.com or contact info@lennham.com.
References
- Carhart-Harris R, et al. Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression. N Engl J Med. 2021 Apr 15;384(15):1402-1411
- Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira (2017) Metabolism of psilocybin and psilocin: clinical and forensic toxicological relevance, Drug Metabolism Reviews, 2017, 49:1, 84-91
Contacts
Media Contact:
Corey MacGregor
Chief Business Officer
Lennham Pharmaceuticals
Corey.macgregor@lennham.com
(978) 254-3201