Eolas Therapeutics Reclaims Promising Opioid Use Disorder Drug from AstraZeneca

Eolas Therapeutics has announced the acquisition of full development rights for AZD4041, a potential opioid use disorder (OUD) therapy, from pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca. This move comes after AstraZeneca abandoned the drug in November 2024 due to concerns over drug-drug interactions identified in a phase 2 study.

Renewed Hope for OUD Treatment

AZD4041, an orexin 1 receptor antagonist, showed promising preclinical data on addictive behaviors and successfully completed phase 1 studies. Despite AstraZeneca's decision to halt development, Eolas Therapeutics sees potential in the compound and plans to initiate a new phase 2 trial.

Albert Man, CEO of Eolas Therapeutics, expressed optimism about the drug's future: "This compound represents a unique opportunity to develop a non-opioid therapeutic that we believe could significantly improve outcomes for people living with opioid dependence and other addictions."

Addressing Drug Interaction Concerns

The primary reason for AstraZeneca's withdrawal was a potential drug-drug interaction with itraconazole, a widely used antifungal medication. However, Eolas believes this issue can be mitigated through careful dosing strategies.

"Clinically significant drug-drug interactions are not anticipated within the range of doses which Eolas will test for efficacy," Man stated, highlighting the company's confidence in overcoming the previous setback.

A History of Collaboration

The relationship between Eolas Therapeutics and AstraZeneca dates back to 2015 when they entered into a partnership worth up to $145 million in biobucks. Initially, the collaboration aimed to evaluate AZD4041 for smoking cessation and other indications.

While financial details of the latest rights transfer were not disclosed, the move underscores Eolas' commitment to advancing the drug's development. "We are grateful to AstraZeneca for their collaboration and confidence in our ability to lead this program forward," Man added.

As the opioid epidemic continues to challenge healthcare systems, the potential revival of AZD4041 represents a new avenue in the ongoing search for effective, non-opioid treatments for OUD. The pharmaceutical industry and healthcare professionals will be watching closely as Eolas Therapeutics embarks on the next phase of development for this promising compound.