Develops therapeutics for mental health and addiction disorders, focusing on preventing overdose fatalities through targeted drug design. The approach prioritizes patient safety by addressing medication misuse and improving treatment outcomes.
Funding
$1M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
FVFVLFounders
Product
Problem
Current medications for mental health and addiction can pose a risk of overdose, especially when taken with other central nervous system depressants like opioids and alcohol. This risk limits the treatment options available for individuals with anxiety and those experiencing withdrawal symptoms from substance use disorders. The potential for fatal consequences due to medication misuse remains a critical concern.
Solution
Zena Therapeutics is a drug discovery company focused on designing safer medications for mental health and addiction, specifically targeting the prevention of overdose fatalities. Their lead compound is an acute anxiolytic designed to maintain its effectiveness without increasing the risk of overdose when combined with substances like opioids or alcohol. This novel compound has demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetics, robust anxiolytic activity in preclinical studies, and promising safety characteristics. The aim is to provide a fast-acting anxiolytic option, particularly for individuals with general anxiety, panic disorders, or withdrawal-induced anxiety, who may not be suitable candidates for existing medications due to overdose risks.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes individuals with general anxiety and panic disorders, as well as those suffering from withdrawal-induced anxiety from opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder.
Features
- Novel anxiolytic compounds designed with improved safety profiles to reduce overdose risk.
- Focus on GABAA receptor-mediated therapeutics for addiction and anxiety disorders.
- Preclinical studies demonstrating favorable pharmacokinetics and robust anxiolytic activity.
- Designed to address withdrawal-induced anxiety associated with opioid and alcohol use disorders.