Eolas Therapeutics announced it has entered into a new agreement with AstraZeneca to assume full development rights to AZD4041, an investigational orexin-1 receptor antagonist for treating opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders. The compound represents a potential first-in-class, non-opioid therapeutic approach to addiction treatment.
Novel Mechanism Targets Addiction Circuitry
AZD4041 is a highly selective orexin-1 receptor antagonist that targets neural circuits regulating craving, reward, and stress - key drivers of addiction. This mechanism represents a departure from traditional addiction treatments by directly addressing brain circuitry rather than drug-signaling pathways.
The compound was previously co-developed by Eolas and AstraZeneca with support from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Preclinical and early clinical data support AZD4041's potential as a therapeutic for multiple substance use disorders, including opioid, stimulant, and alcohol use disorders.
Clinical Development Progress
Under the new agreement, Eolas will assume full responsibility for the program under the existing Investigational New Drug (IND) application. The company plans to advance AZD4041 into Phase II clinical trials with support from a NIDA UG3 cooperative agreement.
AZD4041 has completed Phase I studies and demonstrated promising preclinical data on addictive behaviors. According to the development team, clinically significant drug-drug interactions are not anticipated within the range of doses planned for efficacy testing.
Addressing Unmet Medical Need
"Substance use disorders remain among the most urgent and under-treated public health challenges," said Albert Man, Chief Executive Officer of Eolas Therapeutics. "This compound represents a unique opportunity to develop a non-opioid therapeutic that we believe could significantly improve outcomes for people living with opioid dependence and other addictions."
The company has committed to a rigorous, patient-centered development strategy to fully realize AZD4041's therapeutic potential across multiple indications. Terms of the agreement with AstraZeneca remain confidential.
Company Focus
Eolas Therapeutics is a clinical-stage therapeutic development company focused on treating diseases of addiction and other neurological disorders. The company positions AZD4041 as its lead program and emphasizes its first-in-class approach to directly targeting addiction brain circuitry.
