MIRA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: MIRA) announced the publication of a peer-reviewed manuscript describing preclinical findings for SKNY-1, its oral investigational drug candidate for obesity and nicotine addiction, in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

The study, conducted in an MC4R-deficient zebrafish model, demonstrated that SKNY-1 produced dose-dependent weight reduction, with the higher dose group showing approximately 30% reduction relative to baseline after six days of oral administration. The compound also reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and hepatic triglyceride accumulation compared to untreated controls.

According to the publication, SKNY-1 demonstrated differential engagement of cannabinoid receptor 1 signaling pathways, partial agonist activity at cannabinoid receptor 2, and selective inhibition of monoamine oxidase B relative to MAO-A. The study reported dose-dependent attenuation of compulsive feeding and nicotine-seeking behaviors in multiple behavioral tests.

"We believe the publication of these peer-reviewed findings further supports the differentiated pharmacological profile of SKNY-1 and its potential as a novel oral investigational approach targeting both metabolic and reward-associated pathways," said Erez Aminov, CEO of MIRA.

The zebrafish model showed no significant reduction in whole-body density during the treatment period. The compound also modulated appetite-regulatory leptin and ghrelin gene expression patterns toward wild-type levels.

MIRA noted that the publication describes short-term preclinical findings in zebrafish models and that additional studies, including mammalian studies, pharmacokinetic evaluations, and toxicology studies, will be required before determining whether SKNY-1 may advance toward clinical development. The compound has not been approved by regulatory authorities and its safety and efficacy have not been established in humans.