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BioXcel Therapeutics Announces Publication in Frontiers in Pharmacology on the Effects of Dexmedetomidine (the active ingredient in BXCL-501) on Stress-Mediated Behaviors in Non-clinical Studies

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BioXcel Therapeutics (Nasdaq: BTAI) announced the publication of a study in Frontiers in Pharmacology demonstrating significant effects of dexmedetomidine, the active ingredient in BXCL501, in reducing stress-induced behaviors. The research supports potential applications beyond its current FDA approval as IGALMI� for acute agitation in bipolar and schizophrenia patients.

The study revealed that dexmedetomidine showed superior potency compared to other alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonists, effectively mitigated both acute and chronic stress responses, and demonstrated favorable attributes for daily administration. Notably, the compound showed no negative impacts on motor function or cognition and positively affected sleep patterns.

BioXcel Therapeutics (Nasdaq: BTAI) ha annunciato la pubblicazione di uno studio su Frontiers in Pharmacology che dimostra gli effetti significativi della dexmedetomidina, il principio attivo di BXCL501, nella riduzione dei comportamenti indotti dallo stress. La ricerca supporta potenziali applicazioni oltre l'attuale approvazione FDA come IGALMI� per l'agitazione acuta in pazienti con disturbo bipolare e schizofrenia.

Lo studio ha evidenziato che la dexmedetomidina presenta una potenza superiore rispetto ad altri agonisti del recettore alfa2-adrenergico, mitigando efficacemente sia le risposte allo stress acuto che cronico, e mostrando caratteristiche favorevoli per un utilizzo quotidiano. In particolare, il composto non ha mostrato effetti negativi sulla funzione motoria o cognitiva e ha influenzato positivamente i ritmi del sonno.

BioXcel Therapeutics (Nasdaq: BTAI) anunció la publicación de un estudio en Frontiers in Pharmacology que demuestra efectos significativos de la dexmedetomidina, el ingrediente activo de BXCL501, en la reducción de comportamientos inducidos por el estrés. La investigación respalda posibles aplicaciones más allá de su actual aprobación por la FDA como IGALMI� para la agitación aguda en pacientes con trastorno bipolar y esquizofrenia.

El estudio reveló que la dexmedetomidina mostró una potencia superior en comparación con otros agonistas del receptor alfa2-adrenérgico, mitigando eficazmente las respuestas al estrés tanto agudo como crónico, y demostrando atributos favorables para la administración diaria. Notablemente, el compuesto no mostró impactos negativos en la función motora o cognitiva y afectó positivamente los patrones de sueño.

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연구 ê²°ê³¼ ë±ìŠ¤ë©”ë°í† ë¯¸ë”˜ì€ 다른 알파2-아드레날ë¦� 수용ì²� 작용제보ë‹� 우수í•� 효능ì� 보였으며, 급성 ë°� 만성 스트레스 ë°˜ì‘ì� 효과ì ìœ¼ë¡� 완화하고 ì¼ì¼ 투여ì—� ì í•©í•� 특성ì� 나타냈습니다. 특히, ì� í™”í•©ë¬¼ì€ ìš´ë™ ê¸°ëŠ¥ì´ë‚˜ ì¸ì§€ 기능ì—� 부정ì ì� ì˜í–¥ì� 미치지 않았으며 수면 패턴ì—ë„ ê¸ì •ì ì¸ ì˜í–¥ì� 주었습니ë‹�.

BioXcel Therapeutics (Nasdaq : BTAI) a annoncé la publication d'une étude dans Frontiers in Pharmacology démontrant les effets significatifs de la dexmédétomidine, l'ingrédient actif de BXCL501, dans la réduction des comportements induits par le stress. Cette recherche soutient des applications potentielles au-delà de son approbation actuelle par la FDA en tant qu'IGALMI� pour l'agitation aiguë chez les patients bipolaires et schizophrènes.

L'étude a révélé que la dexmédétomidine présentait une puissance supérieure comparée à d'autres agonistes des récepteurs alpha2-adrénergiques, atténuait efficacement les réponses au stress aigu et chronique, et démontrait des caractéristiques favorables pour une administration quotidienne. Notamment, le composé n'a eu aucun impact négatif sur la fonction motrice ou cognitive et a eu un effet positif sur les cycles de sommeil.

BioXcel Therapeutics (Nasdaq: BTAI) gab die Veröffentlichung einer Studie in Frontiers in Pharmacology bekannt, die signifikante Wirkungen von Dexmedetomidin, dem Wirkstoff in BXCL501, bei der Reduzierung stressbedingter Verhaltensweisen zeigt. Die Forschung unterstützt potenzielle Anwendungen über die derzeitige FDA-Zulassung als IGALMI� zur Behandlung akuter Unruhe bei bipolaren und schizophrenen Patienten hinaus.

Die Studie zeigte, dass Dexmedetomidin eine überlegene Wirksamkeit im Vergleich zu anderen Alpha2-Adrenozeptor-Agonisten aufweist, sowohl akute als auch chronische Stressreaktionen effektiv mildert und günstige Eigenschaften für die tägliche Anwendung zeigt. Bemerkenswert ist, dass die Substanz keine negativen Auswirkungen auf die motorische Funktion oder Kognition hatte und sich positiv auf den Schlaf auswirkte.

Positive
  • Dexmedetomidine demonstrated higher potency than other alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonists
  • No loss of effect observed after repeat doses and no withdrawal effects
  • Favorable safety profile with no impact on motor function or cognition
  • Potential expansion into multiple chronic conditions beyond current FDA approval
Negative
  • None.

Insights

BioXcel's dexmedetomidine shows promise for chronic psychiatric disorders beyond its current acute agitation approval, expanding potential market opportunities.

The publication in Frontiers in Pharmacology represents a significant scientific validation for BioXcel Therapeutics' approach with dexmedetomidine (BXCL501). The study demonstrates that dexmedetomidine, already FDA-approved as IGALMI� for acute agitation in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, may have broader applications in treating chronic stress-related conditions.

The data reveals several compelling advantages of dexmedetomidine over other alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonists like clonidine and guanfacine. The compound showed higher potency and activity in vitro while demonstrating efficacy in mitigating both acute and chronic stress responses across multiple models. This suggests a robust and consistent mechanism of action that could translate to clinical benefits.

Particularly noteworthy is dexmedetomidine's favorable profile for potential chronic administration: no tolerance development with repeated dosing, absence of withdrawal effects upon discontinuation, and minimal impact on motor function or cognition at therapeutic doses. These properties address key limitations of existing anxiolytics and sedatives like benzodiazepines, which often cause tolerance, dependence, and cognitive impairment.

The compound's positive effects on sleep patterns further enhance its potential value proposition, as sleep disturbances frequently co-occur with psychiatric disorders. This multifaceted profile positions BXCL501 as a potential therapeutic option across a spectrum of conditions where stress plays a central role, including PTSD, substance use disorders, and anxiety disorders—representing significant market expansion opportunities beyond acute agitation.

Dexmedetomidine demonstrated a significant reduction in stress-induced behaviors, suggesting potential applications of BXCL501 in chronic psychiatric disorders in addition to treatment of acute agitation

Leading academic institutions are evaluating BXCL-501 in clinical studies for multiple chronic conditions

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Aug. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTAI), a biopharmaceutical company utilizing artificial intelligence to develop transformative medicines in neuroscience,Ìýtoday announced a publication in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, entitled “â€� The study demonstrated a significant effect in translatable behavioral models related to psychiatric disorders suggesting potential applications of BXCL501 in chronic conditions in addition to treatment of acute agitation.

BXCL501 has already been clinically validated and FDA approved (as IGALMI�) for treatment of acute episodes of agitation associated with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Dexmedetomidine, an alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonist, is the active ingredient in BXCL501. The published results provide further support for the drug’s mechanism of action and potential suitability for broadly addressing stress-related disorders in addition to agitation.

Studies underway at leading academic institutions are investigating the potential of daily dosing of BXCL501 in treating a number of stress-related disorders, including opioid withdrawal, acute stress disorder, and alcohol use disorder in patients with PTSD.

“The promising results presented in this study suggest that dexmedetomidine reduces agitation through potent, selective agonist action at central alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, providing an additional underlying scientific rationale for the safety and efficacy established by our current clinical programs, as well as indicating a potential as a treatment for chronic stress-induced behaviors,� said Frank Yocca, Ph.D., CSO of BioXcel Therapeutics. “The study shows that dexmedetomidine does not impair motor skills at effective doses and has favorable effects on sleep, suggesting potential additional benefits for psychiatric and neurological patients.�

Key findings from the non-clinical studies include:

  • Dexmedetomidine exhibited higher in vitro potency and activity than other alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonists (clonidine, lofexidine or guanfacine).
  • Dexmedetomidine significantly mitigated responses to both acute and repeated stress after both acute and repeated dosing.
  • Effects of dexmedetomidine were consistent across multiple models of stress.
  • Dexmedetomidine exhibited favorable attributes for potential daily administration, including no loss of effect after repeat doses, and no withdrawal effects after stopping dosing.
  • Dexmedetomidine at efficacious doses did not affect motor function or cognition compared with diazepam or scopolamine, respectively.
  • Dexmedetomidine had a favorable effect on sleep patterns.

About BXCL501
Outside of its approved indication by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as IGALMI® (dexmedetomidine) sublingual film, BXCL501 is an investigational proprietary, orally dissolving film formulation of dexmedetomidine, a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. BXCL501 is under investigation by BioXcel Therapeutics for the acute treatment of agitation associated with Alzheimer’s dementia and for the acute treatment of agitation associated with bipolar I or II disorder or schizophrenia in the at-home setting. The safety and efficacy of BXCL501 for these investigational uses have not been established. BXCL501 has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA for the acute treatment of agitation associated with dementia and Fast Track designation for the acute treatment of agitation associated with schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and dementia.

About the SERENITY At-Home Phase 3 Trial
The SERENITY At-Home Phase 3 trial is a double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the safety of a 120 mcg dose of BXCL501 for the acute treatment of agitation associated with bipolar disorders or schizophrenia in the at-home setting. The trial is designed to evaluate 200 patients with a history of agitation episodes residing at home either alone or with caregivers/informants. Patients are self-administering 120 mcg of BXCL501 or placebo when agitation episodes occur over the 12-week trial period, with safety data (adverse events) collected during the trial. In addition, patients or caregivers/informants will complete a modified global impression of severity (mCGIs) and a clinical global impression of change (mCGI-C) two hours after dosing as an exploratory endpoint to evaluate use in the outpatient setting.

About IGALMI®Ìý(dexmedetomidine) sublingual filmÌýÌý
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IGALMI®Ìý(dexmedetomidine) sublingual film is a prescription medicine, administered under the supervision of a health care provider, that is placed under the tongue or behind the lower lip and is used for the acute treatment of agitation associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder I or II in adults. The safety and effectiveness of IGALMI has not been studied beyond 24 hours from the first dose. It is not known if IGALMI is safe and effective in children.Ìý

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATIONÌý

IGALMI can cause serious side effects, including:Ìý

  • Decreased blood pressure, low blood pressure upon standing, and slower than normal heart rate, which may be more likely in patients with low blood volume, diabetes, chronic high blood pressure, and older patients.ÌýIGALMI is taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider who will monitor vital signs (like blood pressure and heart rate) and alertness after IGALMI is administered to help prevent falling or fainting. Patients should be adequately hydrated and sit or lie down after taking IGALMI and instructed to tell their healthcare provider if they feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint.Ìý
  • Heart rhythm changes (QT interval prolongation). IGALMI should not be given to patients with an abnormal heart rhythm, a history of an irregular heartbeat, slow heart rate, low potassium, low magnesium, or taking other drugs that could affect heart rhythm. Taking IGALMI with a history of abnormal heart rhythm can increase the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden death. Patients should be instructed to tell their healthcare provider immediately if they feel faint or have heart palpitations.Ìý
  • Sleepiness/drowsiness. Patients should not perform activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating hazardous machinery, for at least 8 hours after taking IGALMI.Ìý
  • Withdrawal reactions, tolerance, and decreased response/efficacy. IGALMI was not studied for longer than 24 hours after the first dose. Physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, agitation), and decreased response to IGALMI may occur if IGALMI is used longer than 24 hours.Ìý

The most common side effectsÌýof IGALMI in clinical studies were sleepiness or drowsiness, a prickling or tingling sensation or numbness of the mouth, dizziness, dry mouth, low blood pressure, and low blood pressure upon standing.Ìý

These are not all the possible side effects of IGALMI. Patients should speak with their healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.Ìý

Patients should tell their healthcare provider about their medical history, including if they suffer from any known heart problems, low potassium, low magnesium, low blood pressure, low heart rate, diabetes, high blood pressure, history of fainting, or liver impairment. They should also tell their healthcare provider if they are pregnant or breastfeeding or take any medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Patients should especially tell their healthcare provider if they take any drugs that lower blood pressure, change heart rate, or take anesthetics, sedatives, hypnotics, and opioids.Ìý

Everyone is encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit  or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You can also contact BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. at 1-833-201-1088 orâ€�.Ìý

Please see full prescribing information atÌý.

AboutÌýBioXcelÌýTherapeutics,ÌýInc.
BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTAI) is a biopharmaceutical company utilizing artificial intelligence to develop transformative medicines in neuroscience. Its wholly owned subsidiary, OnkosXcel Therapeutics, is focused on the development of medicines in immuno-oncology. The Company’s drug re-innovation approach leverages existing approved drugs and/or clinically validated product candidates together with big data and proprietary machine learning algorithms to identify new therapeutic indications. For more information, please visitÌý.

Forward-LookingÌýStatements
This press release includes “forward-looking statementsâ€� within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements related to: the Company’s planned advancement of its SERENITY trial; potential market opportunity for BXCL501; completing enrollment and release of topline data from the ongoing SERENITY trial; submission of an sNDA; the potential for the results from the Company’s completed, ongoing and proposed clinical trials to support regulatory approvals for its product candidates. When used herein, words including “anticipate,â€� “believe,â€� “can,â€� “continue,â€� “could,â€� “designed,â€� “estimate,â€� “expect,â€� “forecast,â€� “goal,â€� “intend,â€� “may,â€� “might,â€� “plan,â€� “possible,â€� “potential,â€� “predict,â€� “project,â€� “should,â€� “target,â€� “will,â€� “wouldâ€� and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. In addition, any statements or information that refer to expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, performance or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking. All forward-looking statements are based upon the Company’s current expectations and various assumptions. The Company believes there is a reasonable basis for its expectations and beliefs, but they are inherently uncertain. The Company may not realize its expectations, and its beliefs may not prove correct. Actual results could differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including, without limitation: its limited operating history; its incurrence of significant losses; its need for substantial additional funding and ability to raise capital when needed; the impact of the reprioritization; its significant indebtedness, ability to comply with covenant obligations and potential payment obligations related to such indebtedness and other contractual obligations; the Company has identified conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern; its limited experience in drug discovery and drug development; risks related to the TRANQUILITY program; its dependence on the success and commercialization of IGALMI®, BXCL501, BXCL502, BXCL701 and BXCL702 and other product candidates; the number of episodes of agitation and the size of the Company’s total addressable market may be overestimated, and approval that the Company may obtain may be based on a narrower definition of the patient population; its lack of experience in marketing and selling drug products; the risk that IGALMI or the Company’s product candidates may not be accepted by physicians or the medical community in general; the Company still faces extensive and ongoing regulatory requirements and obligations for IGALMI; the failure of preliminary data from its clinical studies to predict final study results; failure of its early clinical studies or preclinical studies to predict future clinical studies; its ability to receive regulatory approval for its product candidates; its ability to enroll patients in its clinical trials; undesirable side effects caused by the Company’s product candidates; its novel approach to the discovery and development of product candidates based on EvolverAI; the significant influence of and dependence on BioXcel LLC; its exposure to patent infringement lawsuits; its reliance on third parties; its ability to comply with the extensive regulations applicable to it; impacts from data breaches or cyber-attacks, if any; risks associated with the increased scrutiny relating to environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters; risks associated with federal, state or foreign health care “fraud and abuseâ€� laws; and its ability to commercialize its product candidates, as well as the important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factorsâ€� in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, as such factors may be updated from time to time in its other filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investors section of the Company’s website atÌý. These and other important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While the Company may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, except as required by law, it disclaims any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

ContactÌýInformation

Corporate/Investors
Russo Partners
Nic Johnson
Ìý
1.303.482.6405

Media
Russo Partners
David Schull
Ìý
1.858.717.2310

Source: BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc.
IGALMI®Ìýis a registered trademark of BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc.


FAQ

What are the key findings of BioXcel's (BTAI) dexmedetomidine study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology?

The study showed that dexmedetomidine has higher potency than other similar drugs, effectively reduces stress responses, shows no loss of effect with repeated dosing, and has favorable effects on sleep without impacting motor function.

What is BXCL501 currently FDA-approved for?

BXCL501 (IGALMI�) is FDA-approved for the treatment of acute episodes of agitation associated with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

What new potential applications is BioXcel (BTAI) exploring for BXCL501?

BioXcel is exploring BXCL501 for chronic stress-related disorders including opioid withdrawal, acute stress disorder, and alcohol use disorder in patients with PTSD.

How does dexmedetomidine compare to other similar medications in BioXcel's study?

Dexmedetomidine showed higher in vitro potency and activity compared to other alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonists like clonidine, lofexidine, or guanfacine.

What are the safety findings for dexmedetomidine in BioXcel's (BTAI) study?

The study found that dexmedetomidine had no negative impact on motor function or cognition, showed no withdrawal effects after stopping dosing, and demonstrated favorable effects on sleep patterns.
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