Columbia Technology Ventures

Ibogaine analogues for treatment of substance use and psychiatric disorders

This technology is a set of ibogaine analogues with distinct pharmacological mechanisms from the naturally occurring alkaloid ibogaine.

Unmet Need: Pharmaceutical treatments for substance use disorders

The naturally occurring, psychoactive alkaloid ibogaine has demonstrated anti-addictive properties in various animal models, indicating its potential as a treatment for patients with substance use disorders. However, the naturally occurring alkaloid ibogaine has also been found to have negative effects, including cardiac toxicity that can lead to death.

The Technology: Safe, simple, and precise ibogaine analogues

These ibogaine analogues have simple chemical structures that enable them to target specific receptors via a unique pharmacological mechanism. The analogues are benzofurano-tetrahydroazepines and have been shown to have better hERG/cardiac profiles compared to both naturally occurring alkaloid ibogaine and previously developed analogues. This technology may be useful in developing safe pharmaceutical treatments for substance use disorders and other psychiatric disorders.

This technology has been tested for function and side effects in vitro and in vivo.

Applications:

  • Therapeutic for opioid addiction
  • Therapeutic for substance use disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety-related symptoms
  • Therapeutic for neurological and psychiatric disorders
  • Treatment for headaches and migraines
  • Research tool for studying the mechanism of ibogaine
  • Research tool for studying modulation of various monoamine targets

Advantages:

  • Safe and simple chemical structure
  • Precise targeting and distinct pharmacological mechanisms
  • No cardiac pro-arrhythmic potential
  • Greater therapeutic efficacy in addiction models
  • Can treat a wide range of substance use disorders

Lead Inventor:

Dalibor Sames, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

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