NeonMind Announces Positive Preclinical Results Demonstrating the Efficacy of Psilocybin in Reducing Weight Gain in Obese Animal Subjects
NeonMind Announces Positive Preclinical Results Demonstrating the Efficacy of Psilocybin in
Reducing Weight Gain in Obese Animal Subjects
Data Further Validates Psilocybin as a Drug Candidate for Obesity and Supports Development of
NeonMind’s Drug Programs NEO-001 and NEO-002
Oakville, Ont. – March 23, 2022: NeonMind Biosciences Inc. (CSE: NEON) (OTCQB: NMDBF) (FRA: 6UF)
(“NeonMind'' or the “ Company”), an integrated drug development and wellness company focused on
bringing innovative psychedelic -based treatments to people suffering from obesity and mental health
disorders, announced today it has released preclinical data demonstrating the efficacy of psilocybin in
reducing weight gain in obese subjects. In previous preclinical studies, NeonMind has shown efficacy in
reducing weight gain in healthy subjects with normal weight. This latest study suggests a broader
therapeutic potential of psilocybin in weight management and supports the current development track of
NeonMind’s drug candidates.
The data from NeonMind’s preclinical models revealed a novel finding for its drug candidates: the ability
to target visceral fat. Increased visceral fat is linked to poorer cardiometabolic health and reduction in this
type of fat is important in weight los s and better overall health outcomes. Additional findings from the
preclinical models in obese subjects include:
● Statistical significance compared to the control group for both absolute and relative weight gain;
● Efficacy seen within days of administration;
● Reduced food consumption compared to control group;
● No safety signals.
The positive results further reinforce the drug development opportunity of NeonMind’s two lead
psilocybin-based drug candidates targeting obesity. Moreover, the novel findings provi de opportunities
to enhance their commercial profiles. These candidates include NEO-001, which employs psilocybin as an
agonist at the serotonin 5- HT2A receptor, and NEO-002, which utilizes low-dose psilocybin as an agonist
at the 5-HT2C receptor, which controls appetite.
“These latest findings show psilocybin's ability to modulate weight gain, which is absolutely critical for any
drug candidate targeting obesity and weight loss,” said Robert Tessarolo, President & CEO of NeonMind.
“In two separate rodent studies, we have shown that psilocybin has efficacy in modulating weight in both
obese and normal subjects. This is important given visceral fat is associated with increased comorbidities
and poorer health outcomes. These findings show promise for the fut ure development of psilocybin -
based treatments for obesity, which may also lead to improved cardiovascular and metabolic health.”
Dr. Alasdair Barr, primary investigator of NeonMind’s preclinical study, commented, “These preclinical
studies are bringing to light novel findings in an under-researched psychedelic modality: psilocybin-based
weight management. We were able to explore key mechanisms that drive obese behavior and have come
away with further evidence that psilocybin could potentially lead to a reduction in weight gain in various
patient sub-types.”
The manuscript has been submitted to a leading industry peer-reviewed journal for publication.
About NeonMind Biosciences Inc.
NeonMind operates two divisions: (i) a pharmaceutical division engaged in drug development of
psychedelic compounds with two lead psilocybin-based drug candidates targeting obesity; and (ii) a
medical services division focused on launching specialty mental health clinics that integrate psychedelic
therapeutics into traditional psychotherapy settings.
In its pharmaceutical division, NeonMind has two distinct psilocybin drug development programs
targeting obesity. NeonMind's lead candidate, NEO-001, employs psilocybin as an agonist at the
serotonin 5- HT2A receptor, which is involved in the hallucinogenic effect of psychedelics. The
Company's second drug candidate, NEO-002, employs low-dose psilocybin as an agonist at the 5-HT2C
receptor, which controls appetite.
NeonMind and its strategic partners are building NeonMind-branded specialty mental health clinics in
Canada that incorporate evidence-backed innovative treatments to address a variety of mental health
needs. For more information on NeonMind, go to www.NeonMindBiosciences.com.
Rob Tessarolo, President & Chief Executive Officer, NeonMind Biosciences Inc.
Tel: 416-750-3101
Investor Relations:
KCSA Strategic Communications
Scott Eckstein/Tim Regan
Tel: 212-896-1210
The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved nor disapproved the contents of this news
release.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward- looking informati on. These
statements relate to future events or NeonMind's future performance. The use of any of the words "could",
"expect", "believe", "will", "projected","estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to
matters that are not historical fact s are intended to identify forward- looking information and are based
on NeonMind's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual
future results may differ materially. In particular, NeonMind's drug development plans, its ability to retain
key personnel, and its expectation as to the development of its intellectual property and other steps in its
preclinical and clinical drug development constitute forward- looking information. Actual results and
developments may dif fer materially from those contemplated by forward- looking information. Readers
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward- looking information. The statements made in this
press release are made as of the date hereof. NeonMind disclaims any intent ion or obligation to publicly
update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise, except as may be expressly required by applicable securities laws.