MIRA Pharma and Memorial Sloan Kettering to Develop Preclinical Cancer Pain Model with New Oral Ketamine Analog

MIRA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a pre-clinical-stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to treating neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders, is in advanced discussions with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) to launch a preclinical study evaluating MIRA's novel oral ketamine analog, Ketamir-2. This study will focus on the treatment of pain and depression related to cancer.

This potential collaboration with MSK, a leading global cancer center, would signify a significant validation for Ketamir-2. The partnership highlights MIRA's commitment to diversifying the applications of its innovative compound beyond its current preclinical investigations into treatment-resistant depression, major depressive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

In present practice, MSK addresses pain in patients struggling with refractory cancer using intravenous (IV) ketamine among other approaches. MIRA's oral ketamine analog, however, shows promise due to its potentially high oral bioavailability and minimal interaction with mu opioid receptors, which may enhance its safety profile. Oral administration is not only more convenient but also less invasive compared to IV treatments, potentially allowing for at-home care rather than hospital stays.

The collaboration aims to evaluate the efficacy of oral Ketamir-2 in alleviating cancer pain symptoms in a rodent animal model, comparing it with non-oral ketamine administration. Concurrently, MIRA is researching Ketamir-2's effects on neuropathic pain through a partnership with Pharmaseed Ltd.

Erez Aminov, Chairman & CEO of MIRA Pharmaceuticals, expressed optimism about the proposed partnership, emphasizing that the novel oral ketamine analog offers patients a potentially safer and more convenient treatment option. He noted that this collaboration could innovate the oncology pain market, pointing to MIRA’s broader mission to enhance patient outcomes through groundbreaking treatments.

Dr. Amitabh Gulati, Director of Chronic Pain at Memorial Sloan Kettering and Board Member of the Cancer Pain Research Consortium, noted the necessity for multimodal treatment options to minimize risks associated with opioid therapy. He remarked on the promising potential of ketamine-like compounds and cannabinoids in treating cancer pain, indicating that MIRA's developments could significantly improve the lives of cancer pain patients.

Ketamir-2 aims to offer a safe and effective alternative for managing cancer pain and related depression. Its unique properties might streamline the regulatory approval process, potentially enabling accelerated clinical studies. Positive outcomes from the preclinical studies could hasten the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval process for an Investigational New Drug Application, potentially leading to non-dilutive funding opportunities for MIRA.

Dr. Itzchak Angel, Chief Scientific Advisor to MIRA Pharmaceuticals, highlighted that the collaboration with MSK aims to redefine cancer pain management standards. He emphasized the significant potential of the novel oral ketamine analog in providing safer, more accessible treatment options for cancer patients, including addressing associated depression.

Cancer pain remains a pervasive issue, affecting approximately 44% of cancer patients, with 31% experiencing moderate to severe pain. Research, including a 2023 review of over 10,000 studies and a 2021 systematic review, confirms this prevalence. Additionally, the National Cancer Institute reports that around 25% of cancer patients suffer from depression, a rate much higher than that in the general population.

MIRA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a pre-clinical-stage company with two neuroscience programs targeting a broad range of neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders. MIRA holds exclusive rights in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico for Ketamir-2, which is under investigation for its potential ultra-rapid antidepressant effects. Additionally, MIRA is developing MIRA-55, an oral pharmaceutical marijuana product, currently investigated for treating anxiety and cognitive decline, often associated with early-stage dementia. Both Ketamir-2 and MIRA-55 are still in early-stage preclinical development.