On Thursday, MIRA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:MIRA) said it submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the FDA to start human trials for Ketamir-2, its novel oral ketamine analog for neuropathic pain.
An IND is submitted to propose studying an unapproved drug or an approved product for a new indication or in a new patient population.
The company’s IND application includes comprehensive data and reports detailing Ketamir-2’s pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology, along with results from both in vitro and in vivo studies, including validated neuropathic pain disease models.
In parallel with the submission, the company is conducting a neurotoxicity study, as required by the FDA’s written feedback, to support the initiation of human dosing in the U.S.
Preclinical studies have demonstrated Ketamir-2’s ability to achieve 100% pain reversal, fully normalizing pain thresholds in validated neuropathic pain models.
Furthermore, Ketamir-2 has shown an encouraging safety profile, with no adverse effects observed.
The company plans to begin Phase 1 trials outside the United States in Q1 2025 to evaluate safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers.
Phase 2a trials are expected to follow in late 2025, assessing Ketamir-2’s efficacy in neuropathic pain patients.
The neuropathic pain market in North America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is valued at $3.1 billion and is expected to grow at a 6-7% compound annual growth rate, reaching $4.5 billion by 2030.
Beyond neuropathic pain, the company is exploring additional indications for Ketamir-2, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), MDD with Suicidal Ideation, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
MIRA is also advancing MIRA-55, with preclinical trials targeting memory, cognition, and anxiety, and plans to submit an IND for MIRA-55 in 2025.
Price Action: MIRA stock is up 0.95% at $1.06 during the premarket session at last check Thursday.
Read Next:
© 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

