DemeRx appoints ibogaine expert Juan Sanchez-Ramos

DemeRx, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has appointed neurologist Juan R. Sanchez-Ramos, M.D., Ph.D., to its Scientific Advisory Board. This move comes as the company prepares to advance its lead program for alcohol use disorder, DMX-1001, toward Phase 2 development. Sanchez-Ramos, a seasoned researcher in addiction and neurodegenerative diseases, reunites with DemeRx founder Deborah C. Mash, Ph.D., with whom he collaborated on early ibogaine research over 30 years ago.

Advancing Noribogaine Research

DemeRx is developing DMX-1001, an oral formulation of noribogaine, the active metabolite of ibogaine, specifically targeting alcohol use disorder. The company has completed a Phase 1 multiple ascending dose trial, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has accepted its Investigational New Drug (IND) application. DemeRx plans to conduct an alcohol interaction study before initiating a Phase 2 trial in 2027.

Historical Collaboration

Sanchez-Ramos and Mash have a long history of collaboration, having conducted early clinical research into ibogaine in the early 1990s. They led a Phase 1 dose-ranging study at the University of Miami, where Sanchez-Ramos served as the clinical investigator. Their work included neurological evaluations using posturography to assess ibogaine's safety. This foundational research has informed DemeRx's current focus on developing noribogaine as a therapeutic agent.

Expertise and Future Directions

As a scientific advisor, Sanchez-Ramos will bring his expertise in clinical neuroscience and translational research to DemeRx's program. His involvement is crucial as the company transitions from early safety testing to studies evaluating DMX-1001 in patients with alcohol use disorder. This phase will involve detailed work on dosing, endpoints, and translating pharmacological effects into clinical outcomes.

Why It Matters

The appointment of Sanchez-Ramos is significant as it strengthens DemeRx's scientific advisory structure with direct historical and clinical experience with ibogaine and its metabolites. His expertise will be instrumental in advancing DMX-1001, potentially offering a new treatment option for alcohol use disorder and possibly other neurological conditions in the future.

Sanchez-Ramos is professor emeritus of neurology at the University of South Florida and has an extensive background in drug dependence and neurodegenerative diseases.