Salvinorin A, derived from the plant Salvia divinorum, is to be researched as a treatment for mental health conditions.
Clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company which is aiming to transform the treatment of mental health disorders, atai Life Sciences, will be launching Revixia Life Sciences, a wholly-owned subsidiary developing Salvinorin A, to treat a variety of mental health conditions.
Salvia divinorum has been used by the Mazatec people in Oaxaca, Mexico for illnesses including diarrhoea, headaches, rheumatism and for palliative care, and to date, there are published reports on the potential benefits of Salvia divinorum in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression. Salvinorin A is a unique non-nitrogenous agonist of the kappa-opioid receptor with potential use in treatment-resistant depression, substance use disorder and pain.
Exploring new treatments for mental health
Salvinorin A is an atypical kappa-opioid receptor agonist which is hypothesised to indirectly influence the cannabinoid system, as well as being an allosteric modulator of the µ opioid receptor.
A recent study in rhesus monkeys demonstrated that it can decrease oxycodone self-administration in the monkeys in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that combinations of oxycodone and the kappa-opioid receptor agonists should be further investigated as potential analgesics with reduced abuse liability.
Revixia CEO, Glenn Short, said: “Due to Salvinorin A’s short psychedelic effect, it will be an attractive option for those who would like psychedelic treatment but are unwilling or unable to participate in longer sessions. The shorter experience will allow for more practical administration and monitoring, which may even make it possible to attend psychotherapy sessions on the same day.”
“While Salvinorin A has until now been understudied, its unique mechanism of action may allow for combination with SSRIs, potentially giving patients a better chance in beating depression. We’re thrilled to be pursuing Salvinorin A and progressing research, as we strive for new treatments.” Added Srinivas Rao, CSO and co-founder of atai Life Sciences.
Digital therapeutics
atai company, Introspect Digital Therapeutics, is also developing a digital therapeutic which Revixia’s product will be paired with, which will facilitate the streamlining of preparation, integration and continued patient engagement following treatment.
Florian Brand, CEO and co-founder of atai Life Sciences, said: “In exploring Salvinorin A, Revixia aims to develop a product with a differentiated pharmacological and treatment effect. Considering the significance of prior evidence in humans in parallel with the substantial unmet need in treatment-resistant depression, we believe Revixia has high commercial potential and an increased probability of success in the clinic.
“Salvinorin A is a great product candidate that magnificently matches the criteria we strive for, with recognised synergies across the atai platform.”
Development is currently underway and clinical trials are expected to begin in the second half of 2022.
