UG3DA058544

Antibody-based therapy for fentanyl-related opioid use disorder - Abstract.

Abuse of synthetic opioids is a rapidly intensifying public health problem with more than 70,000 reported US overdose deaths in 2022. Currently available medications to reverse opioid intoxication include an intranasal formulation of the opioid antagonist naloxone, commonly known as Narcan.

While this medication can be lifesaving, it has many drawbacks including decreased efficacy against more potent fentanyl analogs, a short duration of action, and a side-effect profile that includes precipitated opioid withdrawal. To address this direst public health problem, we recently developed a novel candidate medication for blocking the harmful effects of synthetic opioids known as CSX-1004, a monoclonal antibody (MAB) with high binding affinity and specificity to fentanyl and related analogs.

Mechanistically, CSX-1004 directly sequesters fentanyl and related analogs in peripheral blood to mitigate opioid effects in the brain without interacting with the target Μ-opioid receptors. In preclinical studies, we found that intravenous (IV) administration of CSX-1004 can effectively reverse and prevent (>10-fold) fentanyl-induced respiratory depression in rodents and non-human primates (NHP) with durable efficacy that lasts over 3 weeks.

Moreover, CSX-1004 has passed key GLP toxicology and GMP manufacturing milestones, enabling an Investigational New Drug (IND) filing for the target indication of preventing fentanyl analog overdose via IV MAB administration. These findings have encouraged the idea that CSX-1004 therapy could also play a clinically important role in treating fentanyl-related OUD.

Given that current medications for OUD (e.g., buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone) show unsatisfactory treatment retention and relapse rates, there is a clear need for new medication strategies for OUD, which is a major focus of NIDA’s mission. In response to PAR-22-200, we propose to first conduct proof-of-concept studies that will evaluate the potency, efficacy, and duration of action of IV CSX-1004 in blocking fentanyl-taking and reinstatement of fentanyl-primed drug-seeking in drug vs food choice self-administration procedures in NHP (Aim 1).

After establishing IV CSX-1004's effectiveness in monkeys (Aim 1), we will further develop and optimize CSX-1004 as a subcutaneous (SC) fentanyl-related OUD medication in Aim 2, which will permit its use in a wider clinical setting compared to the required in-patient setting for IV MAB treatment. Aim 2 activities will include reformulation, manufacturing, testing in NHP self-administration, and rodent toxicology studies.

After successfully achieving the UG3 phase milestones, UH3 phase studies will be initiated to a) document how CSX-1004 precludes fentanyl from entering the brain to prevent dysregulation of abuse-related neural activity in NHP using PET/FMRI; and b) evaluate if CSX-1004 induces naloxone-like withdrawal in fentanyl-dependent monkeys (Aim 3). Lastly, we will complete the GLP toxicology and GMP manufacturing activities necessary to support IND filing of SC CSX-1004 for the OUD indication (Aim 4).

Together, we anticipate our systematic program of studies in NHPs to generate essential information that will support IND activities and future Biologics License Applications (BLA) related to CSX-1004.

The Mclean Hospital Corporation

TO SUPPORT BASIC AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE, BIOMEDICAL, BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCE, EPIDEMIOLOGIC, HEALTH SERVICES AND HEALTH DISPARITY RESEARCH. TO DEVELOP NEW KNOWLEDGE AND APPROACHES RELATED TO THE PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, ETIOLOGY, AND CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION, INCLUDING HIV/AIDS. TO SUPPORT RESEARCH TRAINING AND RESEARCH SCIENTIST DEVELOPMENT. TO SUPPORT DISSEMINATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS. SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) LEGISLATION IS INTENDED TO EXPAND AND IMPROVE THE SBIR PROGRAMS TO EMPHASIZE AND INCREASE PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIALIZATION OF TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPED THROUGH FEDERAL SBIR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, INCREASE SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION IN FEDERAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, AND FOSTER AND ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION OF SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS IN THE SBIR PROGRAM. THE LEGISLATION INTENDS THAT THE SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (STTR) PROGRAM STIMULATE AND FOSTER SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION THROUGH COOPERATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CARRIED OUT BETWEEN SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS, FOSTER TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER BETWEEN SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS, TO INCREASE PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIALIZATION OF INNOVATIONS DERIVED FROM FEDERAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, AND FOSTER AND ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION OF SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS IN TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION.

93.279 - Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) [HHS - NIH]

Belmont, Massachusetts 02478 United States

Single Zip Code

Development of Medications to Prevent and Treat Opioid and/or Stimulant Use Disorders and Overdose (UG3/UH3 - Clinical Trial Optional) (PAR-22-200)

Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 08/31/25 to 08/31/26.