CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Enveric Biosciences announced encouraging preclinical data for its lead drug candidate EB-003, showing significant antidepressant-like effects in a rigorous animal model of severe chronic depression. The results add to growing evidence supporting the potential of Enveric’s neuroplastogen-based approach to psychiatric treatment.
In a study conducted by a third-party laboratory using the Open Space Forced Swim Test—a validated behavioral model used to simulate treatment-resistant depression in mice—EB-003 demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in despair-like behavior. A single oral dose of 30 mg/kg led to increased mobility and reduced signs of immobility within 30 minutes, with results comparable to those seen with the antidepressant imipramine (p < 0.01).
A repeat study confirmed these findings and established 30 mg/kg as an effective dose without impairing normal locomotor activity. In addition, mice that received daily doses of EB-003 over a 22-day period showed no adverse behavioral, neurological, or physiological effects, indicating good safety and tolerance for chronic administration.
“We are encouraged by these statistically significant and biologically meaningful results in a severe chronic depression model,” said Dr. Joseph Tucker, CEO of Enveric Biosciences. “EB-003 has demonstrated strong behavioral efficacy and a clean safety profile in several preclinical studies, strengthening the rationale for advancing this compound toward clinical trials.”
EB-003 is the lead candidate from Enveric’s proprietary EVM301 Series, a class of next-generation neuroplastogens engineered to promote synaptic plasticity without inducing hallucinogenic side effects. The company plans to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application based on the growing body of supportive data.
The findings position EB-003 as a potential new treatment option for patients with treatment-resistant depression, a population in critical need of safer and more effective therapies.
