PharmaTher Announces Positive Research Results for LSD Microneedle Patch


  • Delivering LSD via microneedle patch unlocks potential for desired dosage forms and pharmacokinetic profiles for improved safety and effectiveness
  • Pursuing Phase 2 clinical studies in 2022 with LSD and notable psychedelics

TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. (the “Company” or “PharmaTher”) (OTCQB: PHRRF) (CSE: PHRM), a clinical-stage psychedelics biotech company, is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed its first research study evaluating MicroDose-MN™, a proprietary microneedle (“MN”) patch for the intradermal delivery of psychedelics, in delivering lysergic acid diethylamide (“LSD”). These results provide support to file for an IND application with the FDA to conduct Phase 2 clinical studies in 2022 with LSD for various indications.

The aim of PharmaTher’s research program was to develop a suitable prototype of MicroDose-MN™ patch for transdermal (intradermal) drug delivery to confirm compatibility and suitability to deliver LSD. The research program scope included, full characterization of LSD conjugated on the microneedle patch backbone, establishment and demonstration of the loading capacity for LSD, and release rate evaluations for the LSD conjugated materials using appropriate models that will be used to support the Company’s IND application with the FDA in the future.

The Company’s research program with LSD conjugated microneedles have been successfully fabricated, optimized, and characterized. Both structural aspects and ex-vivo skin insertion assessments of the LSD conjugated microneedles have demonstrated successful fabrication and acceptable performance. The incorporation of LSD into microneedles without issue and the ability to demonstrate complete ex vivo skin model release over several days demonstrates potential for larger doses and modified release profiles. With these results, the Company believes it has an acceptable prototype for completing IND-enabling studies with the aim to conduct clinical studies in 2022. Details of the research program will be published in a scientific journal.

The Company believes that its MicroDose-MN™ patch for delivering LSD and other psychedelics may enable flexible drug load capacity and combinations, controlled released delivery, and be able to present desired pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. In addition, the MicroDose-MN™ patch for psychedelics aims to empower patients to dose their medication remotely, safely and conveniently rather than under supervision by a healthcare provider at a certified medical office or hospital. To achieve this, the Company will incorporate anti-tampering and anti-abuse features that would parallel the approach used for the tamper-resistant transdermal fentanyl patch.

The Company is completing its evaluation of MicroDose-MN™ with 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (“MDMA”) and N, N-dimethyltryptamine (“DMT”) and expects to provide results before the end of this year and pursue clinical studies in 2022.

The Company is actively engaged in partnering discussions for the use of its microneedle patch system to deliver psychedelics including, but not limited to, MDMA, LSD, DMT, ibogaine and mescaline. As such, PharmaTher offers potential partners a differentiated and validated delivery system for psychedelics, desired pharmacokinetic profiles, intellectual property protection, cGMP microneedle patches for IND-enabling and clinical studies, and a clear clinical pathway towards clinical studies in 2022.

About PharmaTher Holdings Ltd.

​PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. (OTCQB: PHRRF) (CSE: PHRM) is a clinical-stage psychedelics biotech company focused on the research, development and commercialization of novel uses, formulations and delivery methods of psychedelics, such as ketamine, to treat mental health, neurological and pain disorders.  PharmaTher is currently advancing an FDA approved phase 2 clinical study with ketamine to treat Parkinson’s disease and is developing a novel microneedle patch for the intradermal delivery of psychedelics and infectious disease treatments.

Learn more at: PharmaTher.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For more business development opportunities or information about PharmaTher, please contact:

Fabio Chianelli
Chief Executive Officer
PharmaTher Holdings Ltd.
Tel: 1-888-846-3171
Email: info@pharmather.com
Website: www.pharmather.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement

This press release contains 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "potential", "aim", “may” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. (the "Company") current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company at the date of the information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof, and Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in Company's management's discussion and analysis for the period of August 31, 2021 ("MD&A"), dated October 27, 2021, which is available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state, province, territory or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state, province, territory or jurisdiction.