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Overview of Awakn Life Sciences Corp.
Awakn Life Sciences Corp. (symbol: AWKNF) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company at the forefront of developing innovative medication-assisted therapies for addiction, with a particular focus on Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and other substance use and mental health disorders. With a robust pipeline of research and development programs, Awakn is dedicated to addressing significant unmet clinical needs in the field, combining breakthrough science with strategic collaborations across global markets.
Core Business and Therapeutic Focus
The company primarily concentrates on the development of novel therapeutic platforms that integrate pharmacological interventions with structured psychosocial support. Its flagship programs include:
- AWKN-001: An investigational treatment that employs an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-modulating drug delivered intravenously in combination with manualized relapse prevention cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for severe AUD.
- AWKN-002: A proprietary oral thin film formulation of esketamine designed for sublingual and buccal delivery, which is combined with structured alcohol education to target moderate to severe AUD.
- Aminoindane/Serotonin-Dopamine Modulators (AWKN-SND-14): A new chemical entity series aimed at trauma-related mental health disorders, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), emphasizing improved safety profiles and enhanced clinical outcomes.
Research and Development Excellence
Awakn Life Sciences embodies a deep commitment to scientific rigor and innovation. The company consistently advances its R&D pipeline through strategic preclinical and clinical studies. Collaborations with globally recognized institutions such as Graft Polymer and the University of Nottingham have enabled the company to harness advanced drug delivery technologies and cutting-edge pharmacological testing. This collaborative approach not only bolsters its research capacity but also reinforces its credibility as an expert in biomedical innovation.
Strategic Collaborations and Global Partnerships
The company has forged notable partnerships that drive its research programs and enhance its therapeutic prospects. These include cooperative agreements with industry leaders specializing in drug delivery systems, as well as academic partnerships for preclinical and clinical evaluations. Such collaborations facilitate access to international capital markets, enable the use of state-of-the-art technologies, and underscore the company’s commitment to achieving transformative milestones in the treatment of addiction and mental health disorders.
Market Position and Industry Significance
In an industry marked by complex regulatory pathways and rapidly evolving scientific landscapes, Awakn Life Sciences distinguishes itself through its integrated therapeutic strategies and cross-disciplinary expertise. The company addresses a crucial gap in current treatment paradigms for conditions like AUD, where existing standards of care are often inadequate. By pioneering medication-assisted treatments that combine innovative drug formulations with cognitive therapies, Awakn aims to reshape treatment protocols and improve patient outcomes.
Expertise, Experience, and Regulatory Alignment
Awakn Life Sciences leverages its clinical expertise and collaborative framework to navigate key regulatory channels. Its proactive engagement with regulatory authorities, including successful milestones such as pre-IND meetings with bodies like the U.S. FDA, reinforces its authority and commitment to meeting stringent industry standards. The comprehensive nature of its R&D efforts, combined with transparent communication of its research approach, ensures that information provided remains credible and enduringly relevant.
Conclusion
Overall, Awakn Life Sciences Corp. represents a compelling model of innovation within the biotechnology sector. Through its focus on breakthrough therapeutics for addiction and mental health disorders, it combines strategic scientific research with robust industry partnerships. This deep commitment to advancing safe and effective treatment options positions the company as a key influencer in transforming therapeutic landscapes. Investors and analysts can gain valuable insights by examining the company’s methodical approach to drug development, its strategic market positioning, and its emphasis on regulatory compliance and scientific excellence.
Awakn Life Sciences (AWKNF) has entered into an arrangement agreement with Solvonis Therapeutics for a complete acquisition. Under the deal, Awakn shareholders will receive 46.67 Solvonis shares for each Awakn share, representing a 53.52% premium to Awakn's closing price on December 13, 2024.
The transaction will result in existing Awakn and Solvonis shareholders owning approximately 47.47% and 52.53% of Solvonis respectively. The deal requires approval from both companies' shareholders, regulatory clearances, and completion of Solvonis' equity financing. The transaction is expected to close in Q2 2025.
Additionally, Awakn announced plans to settle CAD$160,000 in debt through the issuance of 1,000,000 shares and will issue 260,000 shares to Equasy Enterprises for intellectual property obligations.
Awakn Life Sciences (CSE: AWKN, OTC: AWKNF) provided updates on three R&D programs targeting substance use and mental health disorders:
1. AWKN-001: A Phase 3 ketamine-based combination therapy with CBT for severe Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the UK, co-funded with MRC/NIHR. Awakn's costs are capped at £800,000. Targeting 8-10 years market exclusivity.
2. AWKN-002: A proprietary oral thin film esketamine formulation for moderate to severe AUD in the US. FDA confirmed 505(b)(2) NDA pathway eligibility with no additional clinical data needed before Phase 2b trials. IND submission planned for H2 2025, with Phase 2b trial application in H1 2026.
3. AWKN-SND-14: Pre-clinical serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline modulators for trauma-related disorders, including PTSD, designed to promote pro-social behavior with potentially improved safety profile.
Awakn Life Sciences (CSE: AWKN, OTC: AWKNF) announces a positive Pre-IND meeting outcome with the FDA for AWKN-002, their proprietary oral thin film formulation of esketamine for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) treatment. The FDA meeting, held on December 16, 2024, confirmed that no additional clinical data is needed before initiating a Phase 2b trial.
The FDA agreed to review AWKN-002 under the 505(b)(2) New Drug Application pathway, allowing the use of data from an approved esketamine product once a scientific bridge between AWKN-002 and the reference product is established. The company plans to submit its IND application and begin Phase 2b clinical trials after establishing this scientific bridge.
Awakn Life Sciences (OTCQB: AWKNF) has secured an unsecured credit facility of up to US$535,000 from an arm's length creditor. The facility can be drawn in multiple advances and is evidenced by a grid promissory note. The principal will be due on December 5, 2026, bearing a 10% annual interest rate payable at maturity.
The funds will be used for general working capital purposes while the company advances its research and development projects. Awakn is currently progressing with AWKN-001 in phase 3 trials in the UK and AWKN-002 in phase 2 planning in the US.
Awakn Life Sciences (AWKNF) has entered into a binding letter of intent with Graft Polymer (UK) PLC for a proposed acquisition. Under the agreement, Graft will acquire all of Awakn's issued and outstanding common shares, RSUs, and DSUs. Shareholders will receive 46.67 Graft shares for each Awakn share, valuing Awakn shares at $0.20 each - a 110.54% premium to the December 13 closing price.
The total acquisition price is $8,890,194, with 2,074,378,592 consideration shares to be issued. The transaction must complete by June 15, 2025, and is subject to various approvals including shareholders, regulatory bodies, and court approval. Following completion, Awakn will delist from CSE and cease to be a reporting issuer in Canada.
Awakn Life Sciences has announced promising initial results from a preclinical study of its aminoindane series (AW21003) conducted at the University of Nottingham. The study focuses on developing new therapeutic options for trauma-related mental health disorders, particularly PTSD.
The compound AW21003 demonstrated enhanced social interaction and information transfer capabilities while showing a favorable safety profile compared to MDMA, with no observed stereotyped behaviors like flat body posture or lateral head weaving. The research targets a significant market, with PTSD affecting approximately 13 million adults in the U.S. and 20 million across the U.S., UK, and Europe.
Following these results, Awakn plans to expand its aminoindane program by synthesizing additional compounds in collaboration with Concept Life Sciences and conducting further preclinical behavioral studies at the University of Nottingham.
Awakn Life Sciences Corp. (CSE: AWKN) (OTCQB: AWKNF) has opened four additional clinical trial sites for its Phase 3 'MORE-KARE' trial of AWKN-001, a novel treatment for severe Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). This brings the total active trial sites to 7 across the UK. AWKN-001 combines intravenous ketamine with psycho-social support.
The study, co-funded by the UK's Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health and Care Research, and Awakn, aims to evaluate the efficacy of a single treatment cycle of AWKN-001. Participants will receive varying doses of ketamine infusion and psycho-social support, with both participants and researchers blinded to the assignments.
This landmark trial is the largest of its kind investigating ketamine-assisted therapy for AUD, with an estimated total cost of £2.4 million / CAD 4.2 million. Awakn is contributing £0.8 million / CAD 1.4 million to the study, which is being conducted at eight NHS sites across the UK.
Awakn Life Sciences Corp. (CSE: AWKN) (OTCQB: AWKNF) has partnered with the University of Nottingham for in vivo testing of its aminoindane New Chemical Entity (NCE) pre-clinical program. The study, led by Dr. Madeleine King, will evaluate Awakn's co-lead aminoindane series for its potential to enhance social cognition and pro-social behaviors.
The research will use the Social Transmission of Food Preferences (STFP) test in rodent models over a two-month period, with results expected by the end of 2024. This collaboration follows Awakn's recent partnership with Eurofins Discovery for in vitro pharmacology testing of the same aminoindane series.
Awakn's aminoindane NCE program, developed with Graft Polymer (UK) Plc, aims to create new therapeutic options for trauma-related mental health disorders, particularly PTSD, which affects approximately 13 million adults in the U.S. and 20 million individuals across the U.S., UK, and Europe.
Awakn Life Sciences Corp. (CSE: AWKN) (OTCQB: AWKNF) has selected Eurofins Discovery to conduct initial pharmacology testing for its co-lead aminoindane series as part of its New Chemical Entity (NCE) pre-clinical program. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Awakn's mission to develop next-generation therapeutics for substance use and mental health disorders, with a near-term focus on Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
The NCE program, developed in partnership with Graft Polymer (UK) Plc, aims to create a new class of therapeutics for trauma-related mental health disorders, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This condition affects approximately 13 million adults in the U.S. and 20 million collectively in the US, UK, and key European markets.
Prof. David Nutt, Awakn's Chief Research Officer, expressed confidence that this collaboration will accelerate their path to delivering groundbreaking treatments. CEO Anthony Tennyson emphasized the potential impact of the NCE program for patients across North America and beyond.
Awakn Life Sciences Corp. (CSE: AWKN) (OTCQB: AWKNF) has announced an upsizing of its non-brokered private placement financing from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000. The company has closed a fourth tranche of the offering, issuing 857,143 units at $0.46 per unit, raising an additional $394,286 for a combined total of $1,117,142. Each unit consists of one common share and 0.75 of a warrant, with each whole warrant allowing the purchase of one common share at $0.63 for five years. The proceeds will be used for general working capital. Securities issued are subject to a four-month hold period and applicable resale rules.