MIRA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: MIRA) (“MIRA” or the “Company”), an innovative pre-clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders, has released new data from artificial intelligence (AI) simulations that show that, compared to plant-based medical marijuana, there may be significant potential advantages to the therapeutic potential of MIRA1a, such as its potential to offer a superior anti-anxiety treatment, increased cognition and without the increased appetite associated with THC.
The simulations on MIRA1a were conducted in conjunction with the Company’s strategic collaboration with InSilicoTrials, a company specializing in leveraging AI and simulations to enhance drug and medical device development.
In silico analysis is a computational technique that uses AI to predict the interaction between drugs and their targets. This innovative approach facilitates the virtual screening of compounds and the assessment of their pharmacological profiles before physical trials, expediting drug development and increasing the precision of therapeutic targeting.
“The results of our AI analysis work with InSilicoTrial’s efforts continue to validate MIRA1a as a potential pharmaceutical candidate within a multi-billion-dollar market to address the unmet needs of millions with anxiety and cognition issues with potentially fewer negative side effects than THC,” said Erez Aminov, Chief Executive Officer of MIRA Pharmaceuticals. “Following positive results from recent in vivo animal testing and research indicating MIRA1a’s potential therapeutic effects, without the common negative side effects seen with THC even at high doses, we believe these targeted studies with InSilicoTrials employing artificial intelligence and machine learning further underscores MIRA1a’s position as a promising development in the evolution of neuropharmacological therapies as we work towards the goal of filing an Investigational New Drug (“IND”) Application with the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”).”
Decoding MIRA1a’s Potential: A Possible Breakthrough in Anxiety, Appetite, and Cognition
Through meticulous computer-aided simulations, researchers have uncovered MIRA1a’s predicted ability to initiate a response at three pivotal receptors in the brain— Serotonin 1a (5-HT1a), Serotonin 2c (5-HT2c), and Dopamine D1 receptors. Third-party studies indicate that THC has no predicted activity at any of these three receptors, highlighting MIRA1a’s apparent unique properties and potential as an intervention for neurological disorders.
- Unlocking Anxiety Relief: 5-HT1a Receptor Activation
The simulations suggest that MIRA1a’s agonistic action on the 5-HT1a receptor aligns with established anxiolytic properties in medications like Buspirone and certain SSRIs. This finding could potentially result in providing a new therapy for anxiety disorder interventions by addressing disrupted signaling associated with this receptor. - Battling Appetite Concerns: 5-HT2c Receptor Modulation
The in silico analysis reveals MIRA1a’s interaction with the 5-HT2c receptor, suggesting its potential to avoid the appetite related side effects often linked to THC. Drawing parallels with Lorcaserin, known for its FDA approved appetite-suppressing effects, MIRA1a stands out as a potentially viable solution for those seeking neuropharmacological relief from anxiety and cognitive impairment without the side effect of an increase in appetite that accompanies THC. - Cognitive Enhancement: Dopamine D1 Receptor Activation
MIRA1a’s engagement with the Dopamine D1 receptor suggests a potential pathway for cognitive enhancement. With the potential to influence learning and memory, MIRA1a’s activation of the D1 receptor may pave the way for novel interventions in disorders associated with cognitive impairment.
“In the groundbreaking field of neuropharmacology, artificial intelligence and machine learnings have ushered in a new era of drug discovery and analysis,” said Adam Kaplin, MD, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer of MIRA Pharmaceuticals. “Through the lens of AI, one gains a more complete demonstration of MIRA1a’s potential properties at receptors that are not affected by THC. MIRA1a is uniquely positioned to potentially provide anti-anxiety effects, mitigate THC’s known side effects of increased appetite, and promote enhanced cognition, making it an exceptional candidate for addressing complex neuropsychiatric conditions.”
Luca Emili, Chief Executive Officer of InSilicoTrials, added, “Through this collaboration, InSilicoTrials and MIRA Pharmaceuticals are on a mission to optimize and de-risk drug development by using machine learning-based tools. Leveraging our advanced in silico platform and AI expertise, we contributed to enhance the development of MIRA1a, demonstrating the immense potential of collaborative innovation in the pharmaceutical sector.”
For investors and industry leaders, MIRA1a represents not only a potential scientific breakthrough but also a significant commercial opportunity to meet the urgent need for additional neuropharmacological therapies following clinical trials and undergoing the FDA approval process.
