Reunion Neuroscience Publishes Early Preclinical Results on RE104 for Depression

Reunion Neuroscience Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing neuroscience, has announced promising results from preclinical studies validating their choice to pursue RE104 as a potential treatment for depressive disorders. The findings, published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience, support the development of RE104, a patented prodrug of 4-OH-DiPT, which has shown efficacy in preclinical models and is now moving into clinical trials.

RE104 is designed as a short-duration, fast-acting psychedelic therapy targeting the serotonin 2A receptor (5HT2AR), a known receptor for the antidepressant effects of psychedelics. With a rapid onset and brief duration of psychoactivity, RE104 offers a significant advantage over longer-lasting psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA, requiring only about half a day in-clinic for administration. This makes it a more convenient option for patients and healthcare providers.

The preclinical studies demonstrated that RE104 effectively delivers 4-OH-DiPT with excellent bioavailability shortly after administration. The compound showed antidepressant activity in a forced swim model, comparable to a psilocybin analog, at multiple time points (Day 7, 14, and 28). The study also highlighted the synthesis and metabolic profile of RE104, confirming its potential as a therapeutic agent.

Dr. Robert Alexander, Reunion's Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the transformative potential of RE104 for patients with mental health disorders, particularly postpartum depression (PPD), which is the lead indication for the company's clinical development. Preclinical findings were supported by Phase 1 studies in healthy volunteers, and the company is now gearing up to begin enrolling patients in the RECONNECT Phase 2 clinical trial for PPD.

The RECONNECT trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, active dose-controlled study that will evaluate RE104 in patients with moderate to severe PPD. Enrollment is expected to start this quarter, with results anticipated in the second quarter of 2025.

Reunion Neuroscience is also exploring the potential of RE104 in additional neuropsychiatric conditions, such as adjustment disorder in cancer patients, where there is a significant need for effective treatments. The company's mission is to develop innovative therapies for mental health disorders that are currently underserved by existing medications.

In August 2023, Reunion Neuroscience was acquired by MPM BioImpact, a leading biotechnology investment firm. As part of the MPM BioImpact portfolio, Reunion is well-positioned to advance the development of RE104 and other promising therapies.

Overall, the promising preclinical results and the upcoming clinical trials underscore the potential of RE104 to provide rapid and lasting relief for patients suffering from depressive disorders, particularly postpartum depression. Reunion Neuroscience's commitment to pushing the boundaries of neuroscience could lead to groundbreaking treatments for mental health conditions that have remained challenging to address with traditional therapies.