Imbrium Therapeutics Starts Phase 2 Trial of Sunobinop for Alcohol Use Disorder

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Imbrium Therapeutics L.P. (“Imbrium”), a subsidiary of Purdue Pharma L.P. (“Purdue”), has announced that the initial patient has been randomized and dosed in a Phase 2 clinical study to evaluate sunobinop for treating moderate to severe alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Sunobinop is an investigational oral compound that is designed to target and activate the nociceptin/orphanin-FQ peptide receptor (NOP). This receptor is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems and plays a crucial role in various biological functions.

Craig Landau, MD, President and CEO of Purdue Pharma, emphasized that the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has included the development of new medications for AUD in its strategic plan. Concurrently, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has noted the potential application of NOP receptor agonists for treating substance use disorders. Dr. Landau expressed enthusiasm for the sunobinop trial, highlighting its importance in improving public health and their commitment to discovering potential treatments for individuals with alcohol use disorder.

Preclinical studies have indicated that activating NOP in AUD models can reduce the reinforcing and motivating effects of alcohol. In human studies, lower NOP activity in the brain, as measured by PET imaging, has been linked to a higher risk of relapse in individuals with severe AUD who had recently abstinent and were monitored over a 12-week period.

The current study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that aims to assess the effects of sunobinop on approximately 240 adult participants with moderate to severe AUD who are seeking treatment. Participants will either receive an oral dose of sunobinop or a placebo to be taken at bedtime for an eight-week duration, with their alcohol consumption being recorded and compared.

In addition to exploring sunobinop as a potential treatment for AUD, Imbrium is also investigating its application for overactive bladder syndrome and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

About Imbrium Therapeutics L.P.:
Imbrium Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing medical science by developing significant new therapeutics. The company is dedicated to finding treatments for genitourinary disorders, central nervous system disorders, oncology chemotherapeutics, and non-opioid methods for managing pain. As a subsidiary of Purdue Pharma L.P., Imbrium aims to address the unmet needs of patients, physicians, and health systems worldwide. It has established a diverse pipeline of investigational drug candidates and seeks active collaboration with industry and academic partners to identify and develop future impactful medicines.