AmacaThera Reports Positive Phase 1 Results for AMT-143 in Post-Operative Pain Relief Study

TORONTO, Nov. 20, 2024 - AmacaThera revealed promising results from its Phase 1 clinical trial of AMT-143, a groundbreaking non-opioid anesthetic. This innovative drug utilizes the company's patented AmacaGel™ platform, showcasing the capability of sustained anesthetic release for up to 14 days. AMT-143 aims to provide extended, localized pain relief without the dependency on opioids, significantly diminishing the risks tied to opioid addiction and adverse side effects, thereby enhancing patient recovery post-surgery.

The clinical trial results mark a substantial advancement over existing products, indicating a forward step in post-surgical pain management alternatives. Dr. Mike Cooke, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of AmacaThera, expressed enthusiasm about these promising outcomes and anticipates moving AMT-143 into a Phase 2 study to further its development.

The successful Phase 1 trial results have garnered increased support from investors. Paul Austin, the lead investor of AmacaThera's recently concluded Series A extension, highlighted the potential of AMT-143 to revolutionize post-operative pain management. The positive outcomes from the trial have led to an increase in investment to expedite the drug's further development.

The necessity for non-opioid, long-lasting anesthetics is urgent due to the ongoing opioid crisis. Traditional opioid-based pain management methods often lead to opioid abuse, addiction, overdose, and various side effects. Non-opioid long-acting anesthetics present a safer alternative, offering effective pain relief without the risk of dependency or severe side effects typically associated with opioids.

Dr. Molly Shoichet, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder of AmacaThera, emphasized the significance of the Phase 1 clinical data. Combined with optimized release kinetics, cost-effective manufacturing, and ease of application, the results present a viable solution that meets the needs of physicians and their patients.

AmacaThera is a clinical-stage biotechnology company backed by various institutional investors, including Lumira Ventures, BDC Capital's Women in Technology Venture Fund, Inveready, StandUp Ventures, MaRS IAF, and Changrong Capital. The company specializes in developing advanced sustained-release hydrogel formulations to address key therapeutic delivery challenges with both generic and proprietary payloads. AmacaThera is dedicated to building an internal pipeline of pain management and oncology assets while collaborating with partners to tackle significant delivery challenges using advanced proprietary therapeutic modalities.

AmacaThera's proprietary technology, AmacaGel™, is a fast-gelling physical hydrogel composed of two well-known polymers. This technology is designed to liquefy under shear force, allowing for delivery through a conventional syringe. Once administered, it rapidly forms a depot as it reaches body temperature. The platform's lead product, AMT-143, is a slow-release, non-opioid local anesthetic that leverages the AmacaGel™ platform to provide prolonged post-operative pain relief.

The global market for non-opioid pain management is projected to exceed $96 billion by 2034. AmacaThera aims to address a critical gap in post-operative care with AMT-143. With strong early data, the company is actively seeking strategic partners to expand its clinical program and accelerate the market introduction of AMT-143 and related products.