DemeRx announces completion of alcohol use disorder treatment trial
Esme Needham | January 5, 2026 | News story | Research and Development | DemeRx, alcohol use disorder
DemeRx has announced the successful completion of its phase 1 study of DMX-1001 (oral noribogaine) in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). DemeRx is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specialising in treatments for addiction.
The study evaluated 55 participants, who were randomised to receive multiple ascending doses of DMX-1001, starting at 20mg and ending at 80mg daily. Results from the study support its advancement to phase 2 clinical trials.
The results also showed that DMX-1001 had a favourable safety profile and was well tolerated by participants. Safety assessments during the study showed normal vitals in those being treated; a side effect of the drug on heart-rate corrected QT interval was observed, but was not found to be clinically relevant.
AUD is a significant cause of preventable death: over 29 million people in the US suffer from the disorder, but less than 5% of those people receive medication for it. In addition, around 60% of patients who do receive treatment relapse in their alcohol use within six months, highlighting the importance of finding effective new treatments.
DMX-1001 acts as a neuroplastogen, increasing glial-derived neurotrophic growth factor (GDNF), which helps regulate dopamine levels to restore balance in the brain’s reward system. It has also shown antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects, an important quality in context of AUD’s frequent comorbidity with other mental health disorders.
Deborah Mash, founder and CEO of DemeRx, said: “Alcohol use disorder is a national public health concern. The treatment landscape for AUD is desperate for a disruptive therapeutic that offers durability. With DMX-1001, we aim to break the cycle of relapse by providing a neurorestorative treatment for patients. We are not just treating symptoms but aiming to restore brain health.”
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