NLS Pharmaceutics’ Mazindol reduces fentanyl-induced reward in animal models

NLS Pharmaceutics (NLSP) announced positive results from Study KO-943, a preclinical investigation evaluating the efficacy of Mazindol in mitigating fentanyl-induced conditioned place preference – CPP – in mice. The study provides evidence that Mazindol may offer a novel, non-opioid approach for the treatment of fentanyl use disorder – a condition contributing to over 75% of opioid-related overdose deaths in the U.S. The primary outcome measured was the change in time spent in the drug-paired compartment after conditioning. Fentanyl significantly increased place preference, confirming its potent rewarding effect. Mazindol at 0.5 mg/kg significantly reduced fentanyl-induced CPP, bringing behavior close to baseline. The 0.25 mg/kg dose showed a trend toward reduction, indicating a dose-dependent effect. This development comes after the company recently raised up to $3M and signed a $25M committed equity facility agreement as part of the planned strategic merger with Kadimastem. This funding will enable the merged company to develop Kadimastem cell therapy clinical assets and to continue the development of the NLS assets that will remain post-merger.