Finnish researchers are hoping nepicastat, a dopamine inhibitor, will be a magic bullet for treating both cocaine dependence and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“Among returning veterans, the drug problem is even worse than during the Vietnam war,” says Biotie chief executive Timo Veromaa.
Nepicastat, a synthetic drug administered as an oral tablet, is being tested at a dozen substance abuse treatment centres across the United States.
“PTSD is very difficult to treat and psychotherapy doesn’t always help,” says Veromaa.
It can take years for a new drug to come through the pipeline. That said, it could be years before nepicastat reaches pharmacy shelves.