Equulus Therapeutics
Also known as: EQUULUS
Equulus Therapeutics (Raleigh, NC) was founded in 2023 to develop non-hallucinogenic, non-cardiotoxic ibogaine analogs for substance use disorders. Lead candidate EQL-101 retains ibogaine’s anti-addictive efficacy while eliminating its hallucinogenic effects and cardiotoxicity (hERG inhibition). The company is advancing EQL-101 through IND-enabling studies targeting first-in-human dosing by Q4 2026. Co-founded by RTI medicinal chemist Bruce Blough and pharmacologist Kevin Murnane (LSU), who received a $2.4M NIH grant for methamphetamine use disorder research.
Development Programmes
2EQL-101 (Non-Hallucinogenic Ibogaine Analog)
Synthetic non-hallucinogenic, non-cardiotoxic ibogaine analog. Decouples neuroplasticity from hallucinatory pathways and cardiotoxicity while retaining ibogaine's anti-addictive efficacy. Developed from Bruce Blough's serotonin releaser technology at RTI International (750+ compound library). Preclinical data shows anti-addictive efficacy comparable to ibogaine without hallucinogenic or cardiac side effects. NIDA-funded preclinical assessments at RTI.
Programme Tracker
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
IND-enabling studies underway. First-in-human dosing targeted for Q4 2026. NIDA-funded preclinical work at RTI International confirms anti-addictive efficacy comparable to ibogaine in animal models. Transdiagnostic regulatory strategy targeting multiple indications.
Milestones
Company milestone
CompletedActual: Apr 25, 2024
Equulus Therapeutics emerges from stealth with EQL-101 as lead candidate — non-hallucinogenic, non-cardiotoxic ibogaine analog for substance use disorders and CNS conditions. Co-founded by Bob Discordia (ex-BMS, led CMC for Taxol/Eliquis), Bruce Blough (RTI, 170+ papers), Kevin Murnane (LSU/NIDA), and Peter Hendricks (UAB).
Why it matters: Experienced pharmaceutical leadership (Discordia's 26 years at BMS) combined with world-class psychedelic medicinal chemistry (Blough's RTI lab, 750+ serotonin releaser compounds). The ibogaine space is crowded (Soneira, DemeRx, Delix) but Equulus's compound addresses the two biggest ibogaine risks: hallucinations and QT prolongation/cardiotoxicity.
Company milestone
CompletedActual: Feb 26, 2026
CEO Bob Discordia and co-founder Peter Hendricks present at 6th Annual Psychedelic Therapeutics and Drug Development Conference (New Orleans). EQL-101 IND-enabling studies progress update. First-in-human dosing targeted Q4 2026.
Why it matters: Conference presentation signals active IND-enabling progress. Q4 2026 FIH target means IND filing expected H1-H2 2026.
Recorded Events
Feb 26, 2026: Company milestone
Apr 25, 2024: Company milestone
Evidence Links
industry-media - Drug Discovery Online - Verified
industry-media - Microdose - Verified
reference - Wikipedia - plausible
Serotonin Releaser Platform (MDMA-Inspired & Fenfluramine-Class)
Platform of 750+ serotonin releaser compounds from RTI International (Bruce Blough lab). Multiple discovery-stage programmes: (1) MDMA-inspired non-dissociative small molecule for PTSD — preserves pro-social neuroplasticity, minimises stimulant load/hyperthermia/abuse liability; (2) Next-generation fenfluramine-class selective serotonin releaser for epilepsy and obesity — retains seizure-modifying and appetite-regulating efficacy with improved cardiovascular safety; (3) Non-psychedelic 5-HT hybrid for mood stabilisation; (4) Dual-action CB1R neutral antagonist / CB2R agonist for nicotine dependence; (5) Confidential intranasal therapeutic in IND-enabling studies.
Evidence Links
company-website - Equulus Therapeutics - Verified
company-website - RTI International - Verified
Quick Facts
- Type
- Private Biotech
- Founded
- 2023
- Lead Stage
- Pre-clinical
- Website
- Visit