MIRA (MIRA) posts positive Phase 1 data and DEA decision on Ketamir-2
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
MIRA Pharmaceuticals reported positive unblinded results from a completed Phase 1 trial of Ketamir-2, its selective oral NMDA receptor modulator. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 57 healthy volunteers across seven cohorts completed treatment with no withdrawals, no serious adverse events and no dose-limiting toxicities. Most side effects were mild, and adverse events were reported more often in the placebo group than in Ketamir-2 recipients.
Pharmacokinetic data showed rapid oral absorption and dose-proportional Cmax, with Ketamir-2 half-life ranging from about 2.5 to 7 hours and its active metabolite nor-Ketamir-2 from about 7 to 9 hours, suggesting potential for once-daily dosing after further evaluation. The company is preparing a Phase 2a protocol under its active IND to test Ketamir-2 in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and noted that the DEA determined Ketamir-2 is not a controlled substance.
Positive
- Phase 1 safety and tolerability: 57 healthy volunteers completed the randomized trial of Ketamir-2 with no withdrawals, no serious adverse events, and no dose-limiting toxicities, supporting a favorable early safety profile.
- Pharmacokinetics support convenient dosing: Rapid oral absorption, dose-proportional Cmax, and half-lives of about 2.5–7 hours (Ketamir-2) and 7–9 hours (nor-Ketamir-2) suggest potential for once-daily oral administration pending further evaluation.
- Regulatory positioning: The DEA determined that Ketamir-2 is not classified as a controlled substance, reducing potential constraints around prescribing, distribution, and study logistics if efficacy is shown in later trials.
- Pipeline progression: The company is preparing a Phase 2a protocol under an active IND to evaluate Ketamir-2 in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, moving the program into a patient efficacy setting.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Early human data for Ketamir-2 look encouraging on safety and PK.
The Phase 1 trial of Ketamir-2 in 57 healthy volunteers showed no serious adverse events or dose-limiting toxicities, and all participants completed the study. Mild side effects were actually more common in the placebo group, which is supportive for tolerability at the tested doses.
Pharmacokinetic results indicated rapid absorption and dose-proportional exposure, with half-lives of roughly 2.5–7 hours for Ketamir-2 and 7–9 hours for its active metabolite. This profile may allow once-daily oral dosing, which is commercially attractive if confirmed in later studies.
The company is moving toward a Phase 2a trial in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy under an active IND, and preclinical data cited suggest better efficacy than ketamine and drugs like pregabalin and gabapentin in neuropathic pain models. The DEA’s conclusion that Ketamir-2 is not a controlled substance removes a potential regulatory hurdle, though ultimate value still depends on future efficacy and safety outcomes in patients.