Mind Medicine Partners with Catalent for Innovative Psychedelic-Based Anxiety Treatment

NEW YORK — Mind Medicine Inc., known as MindMed, has secured a licensing agreement with Catalent to utilize its proprietary Zydis orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) technology for the development of a groundbreaking psychedelic-based anxiety treatment, MM-120, according to a company press release.

MM-120 is a “pharmaceutically optimized form” of lysergide D-tartrate, or LSD, and is currently in a phase 2b clinical trial to evaluate its effectiveness in treating generalized anxiety disorder. Topline data from the trial is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2023.

A New Approach to Anxiety Treatment

Zydis, described as a “unique, freeze-dried, oral solid dosage form,” disperses almost instantly in the mouth without the need for water. Its benefits include improved patient compliance and adherence, as well as convenience. MindMed’s use of Zydis technology could significantly shorten treatment sessions for MM-120, providing an optimized pharmaceutical product.

MindMed’s CEO and director, Robert Barrow, spoke highly of the partnership in the release, emphasizing that MM-120 is expected to be protected by numerous patents, the first of which expires in 2042.

Exclusive Rights and Collaborative Effort

The licensing agreement grants MindMed exclusive rights to use Zydis technology to develop all salt and polymorphic forms of lysergide in territories such as the U.S., U.K., and European Union.

Catalent’s President and Division Head of Pharma Product Delivery, Tom Hawkeswood, praised Zydis as “very versatile and effective in developing easy-to-administer dose forms for innovators.” He expressed excitement about collaborating with MindMed on this potentially life-changing new product candidate.

Implications for the Industry

MindMed’s partnership with Catalent signifies an essential step in the growing exploration of psychedelic-based treatments for mental health conditions. By leveraging innovative drug delivery technology like Zydis, the collaboration could pioneer new paths in patient care and treatment options for anxiety disorders.

The licensing agreement also highlights the continual fusion of technological advancements with pharmaceutical development, a trend that is reshaping the industry landscape.

Investors and healthcare professionals alike will likely watch MindMed’s progress closely, as the success of MM-120 could have far-reaching implications for both the pharmaceutical sector and the broader field of mental health treatment. As the topline data from the clinical trial draws near, the interest in this innovative approach is poised to grow, reflecting the ongoing evolution of mental health care and the pharmaceutical industry’s role within it.