Cutting cravings

The former executive team from CV Therapeutics Inc. are treading familiar ground with an addiction program licensed from Gilead Sciences Inc. Newco Amygdala Neurosciences Inc. aims to develop ANS-6673 to treat substance abuse disorders currently underserved by therapeutics, including alcohol abuse and cocaine and opioid addiction.

The compound inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 family mitochondrial (ALDH2), a target CV Therapeutics was working on when it was acquired by Gilead in 2009. ANS-6637 builds upon that work but was discovered by Gilead. Amygdala received an exclusive license in February, while Gilead received equity and is eligible for milestones and royalties...