Encepheal Therapeutics

EncepHeal Therapeutics was focused on creating innovative medications for substance abuse treatment. Their initial focus was a small molecule therapeutic designed to address stimulant addiction, specifically cocaine and methamphetamine, areas where FDA-approved treatments were lacking. The core technology centered around atypical inhibitors of the dopamine transporter, aiming to reduce cravings and positive reinforcement, a proven strategy in addiction treatment, as exemplified by methadone and buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. However, EncepHeal distinguished itself by addressing the abuse liability issues associated with existing medications. Collaborating with the National Institutes of Health, they developed allosteric modulators of the dopamine transporter that demonstrated non-addictive properties in animal models while effectively curbing cocaine addiction. The management team comprised co-founders Omeed Rahimi and Aaron Lazarus, supported by an experienced addiction pharmacologist and an advisory board with expertise in entrepreneurial ventures and addiction drug development. They also had partnerships with the National Institute on Drug Abuse and Wake Forest. EncepHeal had a track record of securing non-dilutive funding through SBIR/STTR grants and sought to strengthen connections within the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.