Safer iboga analogs for treating psychiatric and neurological disorders
This technology describes two sets of iboga analogs designed to reduce side effects and improve bioavailability relative to ibogaine, with potential applications in substance use disorders (SUDs), mood and anxiety disorders including PTSD, and other neurological conditions.
Unmet Need: Safe and effective therapies for SUD, PTSD, and neurological disorders
Psychiatric and neurological disorders involving altered neuroplasticity, including substance use disorders (SUDs) and PTSD, remain challenging to treat with existing behavioral and pharmacologic approaches. Current therapies often show variable efficacy, require long-term adherence, and may not fully address the co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression. Psychoactive compounds like ibogaine have shown therapeutic potential, but clinical translation has been limited by regulatory restrictions and safety concerns, including hallucinogenic effects and cardiotoxicity. Therefore, there is a need for safer and more clinically viable approaches to address substance use and trauma-related neuropsychiatric disorders.
The Technology: Safer iboga analogs to induce therapeutic neuroplasticity
This technology describes modified iboga analogs designed to improve safety while retaining anti-addictive and neuroplasticity-promoting properties, making them potential therapeutics for conditions involving altered neuroplasticity. Compared to ibogaine, a naturally derived psychoactive alkaloid from the Tabernanthe iboga plant, these analogs reduce hallucinogenic and toxic side effects while maintaining similar pharmacological activity at relevant molecular targets. Furthermore, the “tropa-iboga” class of analogs exhibits increased oral bioavailability, which may support more practical administration and facilitate clinical translation for psychiatric and neurological disorders.
Applications:
- Treatment of substance use disorders
- Therapeutic for psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and PTSD
- Management of neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson’s disease
Advantages:
- Similar pharmacological properties to ibogaine
- Reduced risk of hallucinogenic and toxic side effects
- Improved safety profile
- Improved oral bioavailability
- Broad therapeutic potential for different neuroplasticity-related disorders
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Patent Pending
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU24363, CU25444
Licensing Contact: Jerry Kokoshka