Graft Polymer (UK) PLC (LSE:GPL) has announced encouraging initial findings from a pre-clinical study of AW21003, a compound being developed with Awakn Life Sciences to treat trauma-related mental health conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The research, conducted by the University of Nottingham, is part of a collaboration launched earlier this year focusing on aminoindanes, a class of compounds that may enhance pro-social behaviours such as trust and empathy, which are vital for overcoming PTSD.
Unlike MDMA, which has shown side effects such as repetitive movements in tests, AW21003 demonstrated a potentially safer profile without these behaviours.
One key finding was that animals treated with AW21003 showed an improved ability to learn and retain information, evidenced by choosing a demonstrated correct diet.
This suggests the new molecule may foster learning and social interaction, which are critical for recovery from PTSD. Researchers also observed unique behavioural patterns in treated animals, warranting further study.
To build on these results, the programme will synthesise additional aminoindane compounds, screen them for effects on brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, and continue testing with Nottingham researchers.
Professor David Nutt, Senior Scientific Advisor to Graft, said: "These findings represent an important milestone for our aminoindane programme.
"Developing compounds that combine therapeutic efficacy with improved safety has transformative potential for treating PTSD and other trauma-related conditions."
PTSD affects an estimated 20 million people across the US, UK, and Europe.