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Opiant Pharmaceuticals Announces Publication of New Pre-Clinical Data Supporting Potential of OPNT005 as a Heroin Vaccine

Data Published Online in Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

Company Evaluating Potential Clinical Program for OPNT005

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec. 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Opiant Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Opiant”) (NASDAQ:OPNT), a specialty pharmaceutical company developing pharmacological treatments for addictions, today reports that new pre-clinical data supporting the continued development of OPNT005 as a heroin vaccine were published online in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01427).

The study describes an improved synthesis of a heroin-like molecule (a hapten) that is an essential component of OPNT005, which would make it practical to scale the synthesis of this molecule for clinical use.  Additionally, OPNT005 produced high levels of antibodies in rodents. These antibodies cross react with heroin and other abused opioids, including oxycodone and hydrocodone.  The pharmacological effects of intravenous heroin were significantly diminished in rodents receiving OPNT005.

“We are highly encouraged by these compelling pre-clinical results,” said Roger Crystal, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Opiant.  “Most importantly, these data support the feasibility of advancing OPNT005 into the clinic.  As such, we are currently evaluating a potential clinical development program for OPNT005 in the near future.”

OPNT005 was developed jointly by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and was licensed to Opiant Pharmaceuticals in 2016.

About Opiant Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Opiant Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company developing pharmacological treatments for addictions. NIDA, a division of the NIH, describes these disorders as chronic relapsing brain diseases which burden society at both the individual and community levels. With its innovative opioid antagonist nasal delivery technology, Opiant is positioned to become a leader in these treatment markets. Its first product, NARCAN® Nasal Spray, is approved for marketing in the U.S. and Canada by the company’s partner, Adapt Pharma Operations Limited. For more information please visit: www.opiant.com.

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CONTACTS:
Dan Ferry
Managing Director
LifeSci Advisors, LLC
Daniel@lifesciadvisors.com
(617) 535-7746

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