Embera NeuroTherapeutics, Inc. is a development stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for smoking cessation, cocaine dependence and other addictions, for which there are a limited range of effective drug therapies or have no approved treatments. Embera is developing an innovative drug combination (EMB-001) targeting the stress response system and specific brain functions that lead to craving and relapse associated with these disorders, an approach based on breakthrough discoveries of the scientific founder.
EMB-001 has successfully demonstrated clinical activity in a pilot clinical study in cocaine-dependent subjects. In addition, efficacy against cocaine, nicotine and methamphetamine dependence has been shown in preclinical models of addiction.
Embera's preclinical studies in nicotine dependence for EMB-001 demonstrated statistically significant reductions in nicotine self-administration versus the positive control, varenicline. In addition, Embera and its partner, LSU Health Sciences Center – Shreveport, have been awarded a major $3.9 million grant by the NIH's National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to support a cocaine dependence development program. This work will also enable Embera's smoking cessation development program.
