Embera NeuroTherapeutics, Inc. announced the commencement of the first clinical trial evaluating its patent-pending drug combination for the treatment of cocaine addiction. The study is being conducted at the LSU Health Sciences Center's Psychopharmacology Research Clinic in Shreveport under the supervision of Dr. Anita Kablinger.
This will be the first placebo-controlled study to validate the science behind Embera's combination drug product. Forty-five subjects will receive study medication or placebo over a 6 week period and will have their drug taking habits and drug cravings monitored on an outpatient basis. Various laboratory tests will also be done to monitor the effects of the drug on stress hormones, primarily cortisol, that Embera believes is the key to addressing the root of many addictions and psychiatric disorders.
This trial marks a major milestone in what has been a long road in launching the research and development phase of Embera's business plan. Dr. Nicholas Goeders, Head of the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience at LSU Health Sciences Center - Shreveport, performed research on addiction for 25 years, prior to founding Embera in 2005. The venture-backed, start-up company opened its office in the InterTech Science Park in February 2007 after a successful Series A financing round from a syndicate of early stage venture capital funds.
According to the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 1.7 million Americans could be classified as dependent on or abusing cocaine in the past 12 months. With an 80% relapse rate following 12-step programs and no current FDA approved treatment for cocaine addiction there is a significant need for better treatment for recovering addicts. Embera's combination drug product is a novel approach to treating addiction by blocking the hormonal responses that produce drug cravings, thereby allowing the addict to focus on recovery with a higher rate of success. Positive results in this study will warrant future research in using this method as a treatment for other addictions such as methamphetamine and alcohol dependence.
About Embera:
Embera NeuroTherapeutics, Inc. (http://www.emberaneuro.com) is a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing novel treatments for neuropsychiatric diseases such as addiction, depression, anxiety, and compulsive behavioral disorders. Their lead product, EMB-001, was discovered by Dr. Nicholas Goeders at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, LA and is currently in the early phase of clinical development. EMB-001 is a patent-pending drug combination of two previously FDA-approved drugs with a long history of use and established safety profile.
Forward Looking Statement Disclaimer: The information stated in this press release is for information only and is not meant to be taken as a promise or guarantee of any financial, medical or any other future outcome. Embera believes this information to be accurate at this time.