Atai Life Sciences’ stock dips after announcing Phase 1 data

Atai Life Sciences (Nasdaq:ATAI) announced inconclusive data regarding the effects of the kratom-derived compound KUR-101 on respiration in a Phase 1 study.

The company’s stock was down about 9% in mid-day trading, trading at $2.77.

The drug candidate yielded dose-dependent analgesic effects in Part 1 of the study, which assessed the safety and efficacy of various dose levels of KUR-101 (10, 20, 40, 60 and 90 mg).

Data from Part 2 of the Phase 1 study found that a 90 mg dose of KUR-101 yielded analgesic effects in the cold-pressor test and thermal testing, but oxycodone was superior at relieving pain. In that study, KUR-101 and oxycodone had a similar effect on respiration to placebo, preventing a definitive assessment of KUR-101’s impact on respiration.

“As the data comparing the respiratory effects of KUR-101 to both oxycodone and placebo are inconclusive at this stage, additional research will be needed to further characterize the therapeutic p…

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Meet the startup aiming to treat opioid use disorder with a kratom-derived drug

Atai Life Sciences (Nasdaq:ATAI) recently announced positive results from a Phase 1 study testing KUR-101 for opioid use disorder. KUR-101 is an oral formulation of the kratom alkaloid mitragynine.

Atai subsidiary Kures is leading the effort to test the potential of mitragynine, which acts as a partial mu-opioid receptor agonist.

Kratom itself is a source of controversy. Proponents note that the supplement, which is native to Southeast Asia, is a safe treatment for everything from anxiety to chronic pain and opioid use disorder. Conversely, critics maintain that kratom is dangerous. The FDA was warned consumers against it. Similarly, calling kratom “unsafe and ineffective,” the Mayo Clinic recommended patients “work with your doctor to find other treatment options.” A number of states have either banned or restricted kratom. Meanwhile, Thailand, where the plant is native, recently decriminalized it.

Meanwhile, scientists continue to study kratom and its …

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