A Safer Path: Clearmind's MEAI Aims to Treat Alcoholism Without the Trip

VANCOUVER, BC – December 12, 2025 – In the relentless search for effective treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), a condition affecting millions with stubbornly high relapse rates, the biotech industry is increasingly looking toward psychedelic-derived compounds. A significant new validation, however, suggests the future may belong to a therapy that offers the benefits without the hallucinogenic trip. Vancouver-based Clearmind Medicine (Nasdaq: CMND) is capturing the spotlight after its lead drug candidate, MEAI, received a major vote of confidence from the scientific community, potentially carving out a new, more accessible path in addiction medicine.

A comprehensive review article, published in the prestigious Q1 journal Current Addiction Reports, has affirmed the therapeutic promise of MEAI (5-methoxy-2-aminoindane), which Clearmind is developing as its oral drug candidate, CMND-100. Authored by a team of experts led by Anahita Bassir Nia from the Yale School of Medicine, the paper rigorously analyzes MEAI's potential to curb drinking, comparing it favorably to classical psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin, as well as the entactogen MDMA. This external validation from a highly credible source is a pivotal moment for Clearmind, lending significant scientific weight to a compound that aims to rewire the approach to a global health crisis.

Decoding a 'Psychedelic-Adjacent' Solution

What sets MEAI apart in an increasingly crowded field of neuro-therapeutics is its unique pharmacological profile. Unlike classic psychedelics that induce profound altered states of consciousness, MEAI is described as a non-hallucinogenic neuroplastogen. It functions as an entactogen, a class of psychoactive substances that produce experiences of emotional communion, oneness, and emotional openness—similar to MDMA—but with what appears to be a significantly better safety profile.

The recent review highlights this critical distinction. The compound acts as a monoamine releaser, primarily stimulating the release of serotonin, which can help normalize mood and induce feelings of well-being. Crucially, the research suggests MEAI has less interaction with the specific serotonin receptors (5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C) that are linked to the hallucinogenic effects and cardiovascular risks associated with substances like MDMA. This targeted mechanism could explain why anecdotal reports from recreational users, who noted a decreased desire to drink alcohol after taking MEAI, have been so compelling. It offers the potential to address cravings and mood imbalances at the core of AUD without the high abuse liability or intense psychological experiences that can make other psychedelic therapies challenging to administer and scale.

“Due to its receptor interaction profile, MEAI holds the potential to curb cravings and normalize mood without hallucinogenic effects or high abuse liability, and as such to address core unmet needs in AUD treatment,” said Dr. Adi Zuloff-Shani, CEO of Clearmind Medicine, in a recent statement. This 'psychedelic-adjacent' approach could represent a breakthrough, offering a therapeutic option that is more palatable to a broader patient population and easier to integrate into existing healthcare frameworks.

From Promising Data to Clinical Reality

The journey for CMND-100 is rapidly moving from theoretical promise to clinical evaluation. Clearmind is not just relying on external reviews; it is actively advancing a data-driven development program. The company has successfully secured an Investigational New Drug (IND) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct a Phase I/IIa clinical trial. This first-in-human study is designed to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of the drug, while also gathering preliminary data on its efficacy in reducing alcohol consumption.

Underscoring the compound's potential, the trial is underway at some of the world's most respected research institutions, including the Yale School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and several leading medical centers in Israel. In November 2025, the trial’s Data and Safety Monitoring Board gave a unanimous green light for its continuation, and the company has since advanced to the dosing phase. This progress signals that early safety data is favorable and that the scientific rationale for the drug holds up under rigorous scrutiny.

This methodical progression is critical for building investor and regulatory confidence. By partnering with premier medical centers, Clearmind not only ensures high-quality data collection but also elevates the visibility of MEAI within the medical community, aligning with the company's belief that the recent publication will attract attention from top experts.

A Strategic Play in a High-Stakes Market

The validation of MEAI arrives at a critical time. The global market for AUD treatments is substantial and growing, with some estimates projecting it could surpass $35 billion. Yet, it remains a market characterized by significant unmet needs. Existing pharmacological treatments have limited efficacy for many patients, and while psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise, its logistical, regulatory, and psychological hurdles are considerable. Clearmind is positioning MEAI to fill this crucial gap.

By developing a non-hallucinogenic alternative, the company is making a strategic play for a much larger segment of the market. A therapy that can be prescribed and taken with less intensive clinical supervision could fundamentally disrupt the economics and accessibility of addiction treatment. To protect this potential, Clearmind has built a formidable intellectual property moat, with nineteen patent families and over 30 granted patents globally, covering MEAI's use for addiction, depression, and other conditions.

Financially, the company has been making calculated moves to shore up its position for the long road of clinical development. After recently regaining compliance with Nasdaq's equity rules and securing a securities purchase agreement, Clearmind appears to be preparing for the next phases of its growth. For a clinical-stage biotech, this combination of strong scientific validation, a clear regulatory path, and a strategic business focus creates a compelling narrative. The recent review article is more than just an academic achievement; it's a key asset that reinforces Clearmind's data-driven path forward in its quest to deliver a transformative solution for one of society's most challenging health problems.