Attacking substance use disorder
BioCorRx, forms deal with VDM Biochemicals for opioid antagonist
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ANAHEIM, Calif.—BioCorRx Inc., a developer and provider of advanced solutions in the treatment of substance use disorders, announced recently the execution of a letter of intent with VDM Biochemicals Inc., subject to execution of a definitive agreement, whereby the companies would partner to further develop and commercialize VDM’s new opioid antagonist molecule, VDM-001. Under the agreement, BioCorRx has the right of first refusal to acquire up to a 49-percent ownership stake in VDM-001, which was invented by Dr. Vardan Martirosyan.
Based on initial animal studies conducted overseas by the inventor, VDM-001 was found to exhibit substantial opioid antagonistic activity, both in vitro and in vivo, while also demonstrating safety. As a result, VDM-001 may represent an effective alternative to naloxone in the overdose reversal market.
Currently, naloxone is the only treatment widely available (in various forms and routes of administration) for opioid overdose reversal. Unlike naloxone, VDM-001 is a 100-percent pure synthetic antagonist, whereas naloxone relies on natural sources for manufacturing. The potential benefits of a synthetic antagonist include a shorter and less costly manufacturing cycle, which could be helpful in the event of any future naloxone or other antagonist drug shortages.
VDM believes that VDM-001 may have a stronger affinity for opioid receptors than naloxone (approximately three times more), which may result in a superior reversal of opioid overdose from fentanyl, which has increased in recent years. Reversing a fentanyl overdose often requires multiple doses of naloxone.
VDM believes VDM-001 may also address other potential indications such as substance use disorder, including alcohol use disorder, by reducing cravings.