EMP-01: Developing novel treatments for social anxiety disorder

By: Srinivas Rao

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a mental health condition characterized by an intense, persistent fear of social situations. Unfortunately, the condition is common, with approximately 7.1% of U.S. adults, or about 18 million individuals, suffering from SAD in the past year. Current front-line treatment for SAD includes psychotherapy and antidepressants, but accessibility, tolerability, and overall therapeutic response to these approaches is often poor. Only 35% of patients with SAD recover after 10 years of prospective follow-up.

This treatment gap is why we are developing EMP-01, an oral formulation of the R-enantiomer of MDMA for the treatment of SAD. MDMA (commonly referred to by its street name ‘ecstasy’) is a pharmacologically complex compound that, when consumed, creates unique prosocial and empathogenic effects. However, several challenges associated with the use of MDMA have emerged, including its impact on body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and its propensity to cause anxiety and bruxism (jaw clenching).

Our candidate EMP-01 is an oral formulation of the R-enantiomer of MDMA being developed for the treatment of SAD. EMP-01’s pharmacology is more targeted than that of MDMA, preferentially targeting the serotonergic system with much less effect upon dopamine and norepinephrine-mediated neurotransmission.