Acer Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: ACER) watched its shares subside a bit Thursday, after the company announced that the University of North Carolina (UNC) Institute for Trauma Recovery has been awarded a $3-million grant from the Department of Defense (DoD) to investigate the potential of ACER-801 (osanetant) to reduce the frequency and severity of acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Acute stress disorder refers to the body’s immediate response to trauma, whereas PTSD is the long-term effects of trauma.
The proposed Osanetant After Stress to Increase recovery Success (OASIS) trial will examine the safety and efficacy of ACER-801 to reduce acute stress response symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and behavioral changes among patients presenting to the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision. It is intended to enroll a total of 180 subjects who will be randomized in the emergency department, to receive a low or high dose of ACER-801 or placebo in the emergency department and be discharged with a two-week supply of study drug.
The OASIS trial will build upon a foundation of knowledge and infrastructure developed through the UNC-led, $40 million AURORA initiative.
The AURORA study is a major national research initiative to improve the understanding, prevention, and recovery of individuals who have experienced a traumatic event. AURORA is supported by funding from NIH, One Mind, private foundations, and partnerships with leading tech companies such as Mindstrong Health and Verily Life Sciences, the health care arm of Google’s parent company Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL).
ACER ditched a penny to $1.43.
