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Awakn Life Sciences Initiates Follow-on Behavioral Study to Focus on Gambling Disorder

Awakn Life Sciences Initiates Follow-on Behavioral Study to Focus on Gambling Disorder

Study Initiated Following Recent Successful Pilot Study and Patent Filing

TORONTO, CANADA, June 2, 2022 – Awakn Life Sciences Corp. (NEO: AWKN, OTCQB: AWKNF, FSE: 954) (‘Awakn’), a biotechnology company, researching, developing, and commercializing therapeutics to treat addiction with a near-term focus on Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), announced today that they have initiated a larger behavioral addiction study investigating ketamine as a treatment for Gambling Disorder. Awakn announced on May 19, 2022, that the Company had completed a successful pilot study for a range of behavioral addictions. On May 26, 2022, Awakn announced the filing of a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for the treatment of behavioral addictions with ketamine and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.

The larger study announced today will include 42 patients who are suffering from Gambling Disorder and will see participants undergo a memory reactivation procedure, which is designed to weaken the link between reward and addiction memories. The larger placebo-controlled study will be the first investigation globally to explore this technique to treat Gambling Disorder.

The study will use advanced brain imaging technology EEG (Electro Encephalography) and will index the synaptic plasticity post-ketamine administration with the aim of identifying the window of greatest neuroplastic change. This would potentially allow Awakn to predict when therapy will be at its most effective due to the neuroplasticity. The study will also collect detailed pharmacokinetic (PK) data and analyze metabolites as well as examining neurological biomarkers. 

Awakn CEO Anthony Tennyson commented, “Awakn is dedicated to helping people who are suffering from addiction, and we are greatly enthused by the significant research & development milestones we have passed in recent weeks.  None of this would be possible without the dedication of the Awakn team and I would like to formally thank them, and everyone involved, including patients, physicians, and carers.”

Gambling Disorder affects up to 450 million[1] people globally. In the US alone, it is estimated that more than 2.5% of the population suffer from Gambling Disorder, that is over 8 million people2. With no pharmacological treatments currently available, the need to find an effective treatment has never been more acute.

About Awakn Life Sciences Corp.

Awakn Life Sciences is a biotechnology company, researching, developing and commercializing combined therapeutics to treat addiction, with a focus on Alcohol Use Disorder.  Awakn’s team consists of renowned research experts, world leading chemists, scientists, psychiatrists, and psychologists. Addiction is one of the biggest unmet medical needs of our time, affecting over 20% of the global population and is an industry valued at over $100bn per annum. Awakn is working to disrupt this underperforming industry by advancing the next generation of drugs and therapies to be used in combination, through preclinical research and clinical-stage trials.

www.awaknlifesciences.com  |  Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Facebook

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events or the Company’s future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “continues”, “forecasts”, “projects”, “predicts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “targets” or “believes”, or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, ”would”, “should”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, including statements relating the business of the Company. All forward-looking statements, including those herein are qualified by this cautionary statement.

Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the statements. There are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information. These include, but are not limited to: COVID-19; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; the business plans and strategies of the Company; the ability of the Company to comply with all applicable governmental regulations in a highly regulated business; the inherent risks in investing in target companies or projects which have limited or no operating history and are engaged in activities currently considered illegal in some jurisdictions; changes in laws; limited operating history; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing; competition; fluctuations in securities markets; inconsistent public opinion and perception regarding the medical-use of psychedelic drugs; expectations regarding the size of the addiction market; and regulatory or political change. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date or dates specified in such statements.

Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For more information on the Company, investors are encouraged to review the Company’s public filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States. The Company’s and Awakn’s securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Investor Enquiries:
Anthony Tennyson, CEO, Awakn Life Sciences
anthony.tennyson@awaknlifesciences.com

Media Enquiries:
America and Canada: KCSA Strategic Communications 
Anne Donohoe
Adonohoe@KCSA.com

Rest of World: ROAD Communications
Paul Jarman / Nora Popova
Awakn@roadcommunications.co.uk

[1]: Problem gambling worldwide: An update and systematic review of empirical research (2000–2015):

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5370365

2: North American Foundation for Gambling Addiction Help:

https://nafgah.org/statistics-gambling-addiction-2016/

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Update on Awakn’s ketamine study

Awakn Life Sciences Files Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Application For The Treatment Of Behavioral Addictions

Awakn Life Sciences (AWKN) filed an international patent application for its ketamine treatment for behavioural addictions like gambling, gaming, binge eating, and compulsive sexual behaviour. 

Plus, the company shared a bit more info on the “hugely promising” pilot study mentioned last week.

The treatment was found to reduce symptoms of addiction as well as comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. Some patients no longer qualified for a diagnosis of addiction after the ketamine therapy.

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“Hugely encouraging” ketamine study

Awakn Life Sciences Completes World’s First Ketamine Study For A Range Of Behavioral Addictions

Collectively, over a billion people struggle with Gambling Disorder, Internet Gaming Disorder, Binge Eating Disorder, and Compulsive Sexual Behaviour.

Researchers at Awakn Life Sciences (AWKN) completed the world’s first ketamine study for these behavioural addictions. The results were “hugely encouraging,” according to the CEO. 

While actual data is yet to be released, the promising early findings “merit a larger study and further exploration,” which the company is now pursuing.

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Awakn Life Sciences Files Patent Application For A New Class Of Entactogen-Like Molecules To Treat A Broad Range Of Addictions

Awakn Life Sciences Files Patent Application For A New Class Of Entactogen-Like Molecules To Treat A Broad Range Of Addictions

Novel Entactogen NCE series enhances the potential for improved treatment of addiction

TORONTO, CANADA, 26 January 2022 – Awakn Life Sciences Corp. (NEO: AWKN) (OTCQB: AWKNF) (FSE: 954) (‘Awakn’), a biotechnology company, researching, developing and delivering psychedelic therapeutics to treat addiction, announces the filing of a patent application for a new chemical series of entactogen-like molecules, further strengthening Awakn’s intellectual property portfolio and pipeline for the treatment of a broad range of addictions including, but not limited to substance addictions such as Alcohol, and behavioural addictions, such as Gambling Disorder and Compulsive Sexual Behaviour.

The new chemical series patented by Awakn, delivers a significant step forward in the development of entactogens and provides a key milestone in Awakn’s drug discovery R&D activities. Awakn’s innovative pipeline of NCE’s further adds to existing patent applications and active clinical development programmes (KARE: completed phase-IIa/b trial and BIMA: completed phase-IIa trial), strengthens Awakn’s position as a global leader in the psychedelic-biotechnology industry.

Chief Scientific Officer at Awakn, Shaun McNulty commented, “The new chemical series of entactogen-like molecules being developed at Awakn will deliver the best characteristics of existing entactogens, with a shorter duration of action. This can improve clinical utility in a research space and has significant potential for the delivery of the treatments. These improved entactogens will enable us to treat more patients and has the potential to increase the range of disorders we can treat.  This will enable us to make rapid progress towards treating a broad range of addictions, a condition with huge unmet medical needs and significant negative impact on society.”

Awakn announced in October they would progress the NCE program into lead optimization with their research partner Evotec. These novel entactogen-like molecules which the patent has been filed for will be an integral part of this research program, with the aim to develop one or more compounds and progress them into clinical development. 

Anthony Tennyson, Awakn’s CEO commented, “Our ambition is to fully integrate effective psychedelic-based treatment into mainstream healthcare to better treat addiction. We are fortunate to have many of the world’s leading researchers and drug discovery experts supporting and delivering our vision at Awakn. Our clinical team has unparalleled experience in treating addiction, and now with the development of a new entactogen series and a world-class entactogen discovery pipeline, Awakn’s place as a global leader in this space is strengthened.”

About Awakn Life Sciences Corp.

Awakn Life Sciences is a biotechnology company, researching, developing, and delivering psychedelic therapeutics to better treat addiction. Awakn’s team consists of world leading chemists, scientists, psychiatrists, and psychologists who are advancing the next generation of psychedelic drugs and therapies to be used in combination.

Awaknlifesciences.com  |  Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Facebook

Notice Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events or the Company’s future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “continues”, “forecasts”, “projects”, “predicts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “targets” or “believes”, or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, including statements relating to the proposed NEO listing, and the business of the Company. All forward-looking statements, including those herein are qualified by this cautionary statement.

Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the statements. There are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information. These include: whether conditions to the listing on NEO will be satisfied; the business plans and strategies of the Company, the ability of the Company to comply with all applicable governmental regulations in a highly regulated business; the inherent risks in investing in target companies or projects which have limited or no operating history and are engaged in activities currently considered illegal in some jurisdictions; changes in laws; limited operating history; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing; competition; inconsistent public opinion and perception regarding the medical-use of psychedelic drugs; and regulatory or political change. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date or dates specified in such statements.

Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For more information on the Company, investors are encouraged to review the Company’s public filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States. The Company’s and Awakn’s securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Investor Enquiries:

KCSA Strategic Communications 
Valter Pinto / Tim Regan 
Phone: +1 (212) 896-1254
Awakn@KCSA.com

Media Enquiries:

America and Canada: KCSA Strategic Communications  
Anne Donohoe 
Adonohoe@KCSA.com

Rest of World: ROAD Communications 
Paul Jarman / Nora Popova
Awakn@roadcommunications.co.uk

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Awakn Life Sciences Expands World’s First Ketamine Study Beyond Gambling Disorder To Include Additional Behavioral Addictions

Awakn Life Sciences Expands World’s First Ketamine Study Beyond Gambling Disorder To Include Additional Behavioral Addictions

GROUNDBREAKING PSYCHEDLIC STUDY WILL INVESTIGATE BINGE EATING DISORDER, COMPULSIVE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR, AND INTERNET GAMING DISORDER

TORONTO, CANADA, 05 January 2022 – Awakn Life Sciences Corp. (NEO: AWKN) (OTCQB: AWKNF) (FSE:954) (Awakn), a biotechnology company developing and delivering psychedelic medicines to better treat addiction, announced today that it has received ethical committee approval to expand its existing ketamine study beyond Gambling Disorder to include three other behavioral addictions including Binge Eating Disorder, Compulsive Sexual Behaviour and Internet Gaming Disorder.

The basket study, which will be another world’s first, is led by Prof. Celia Morgan, Awakn’s Head of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for Addiction, Professor of Psychopharmacology at the University of Exeter, U.K., and an internationally respected expert in the therapeutic use of ketamine. Professor Morgan’s work will investigate a new treatment approach for these behavioral addictions, trying to harness a window in which the brain is able to make new connections. The study will explore and monitor whether the ketamine can increase neuroplasticity using EEG (Electroencephalogram).

Professor Morgan commented, “We are delighted to expand this research and to make further inroads into a treatment area that has had no material pharmacological advancements in far too long, all the while the number of people suffering has steadily increased. We hope this will give us valuable insights to push our ketamine program forward and help these people as quickly as possible.”

There are currently no licensed pharmacological treatments for behavioral addictions or disorders available, and the need to find new and effective treatment options has never been more important. Behavioural addictions have devastating consequences for individuals and their families, affecting physical and mental health, and increasing mortality from suicide. The global populations affected by behavioural addictions are massive with Binge Eating Disorder affecting up to 110 million people; Internet Gaming Disorder affecting 238 million; Sexual Compulsive Behaviour affecting up to 350 million; and Gambling Disorder up to 450 million people.

About Awakn Life Sciences Corp.

Awakn Life Sciences is a biotechnology company, researching, developing, and delivering psychedelic medicine to better treat addiction. Awakn’s team consists of world leading chemists, scientists, psychiatrists, and psychologists who are developing and advancing the next generation of psychedelic drugs, therapies, and enabling technologies to treat addiction. Awakn will also deliver evidence backed psychedelic therapies for addiction in clinics in the UK and Europe and through licencing partnerships globally. 

www.awaknlifesciences.com  |  Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Facebook

Notice Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events or the Company’s future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “continues”, “forecasts”, “projects”, “predicts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “targets” or “believes”, or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, including statements relating to the proposed NEO listing, and the business of the Company. All forward-looking statements, including those herein are qualified by this cautionary statement.

Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the statements. There are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information. These include: whether conditions to the listing on NEO will be satisfied; the business plans and strategies of the Company, the ability of the Company to comply with all applicable governmental regulations in a highly regulated business; the inherent risks in investing in target companies or projects which have limited or no operating history and are engaged in activities currently considered illegal in some jurisdictions; changes in laws; limited operating history; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing; competition; inconsistent public opinion and perception regarding the medical-use of psychedelic drugs; and regulatory or political change. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date or dates specified in such statements.

Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For more information on the Company, investors are encouraged to review the Company’s public filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States. The Company’s and Awakn’s securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Investor Enquiries:
KCSA Strategic Communications
Valter Pinto / Tim Regan
Phone: +1 (212) 896-1254
Awakn@KCSA.com

Media Enquiries:
America and Canada: KCSA Strategic Communications 
Anne Donohoe
Adonohoe@KCSA.com

Rest of World: ROAD Communications
Paul Jarman
Awakn@roadcommunications.co.uk

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Rolling the dice on a new treatment method

Awakn Life Sciences Initiates the First Ketamine Treatment Study for Gambling Addiction Led by Professor Celia Morgan

Psilocybin isn’t the only psychedelic that’s being studied for addiction treatment!

Awakn Life Sciences (AWKN) has received approval for the first-ever study on ketamine in gambling addiction –  a disorder that affects 10 million people in the US alone, yet has no licensed pharmacological treatment.

The company will use ketamine-assisted psychotherapy to tackle the urge to gamble as well as superstitious thinking that’s at the root of the addition.

Awakn is also investigating the effects of ketamine and MDMA in treating alcohol use disorder (AUD).

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Make your New Year’s resolutions stick

Awakn Life Sciences Expands World’s First Ketamine Study Beyond Gambling Disorder To Include Additional Behavioral Addictions

Spent too much time gaming or had too much sex in 2021? 

We’re guessing you didn’t answer yes to both, but if you struggle with one of these things, ketamine therapy could help you make changes this year 😉

Awakn Life Sciences (AWKN) received ethics approval to expand its ketamine study. In addition to investigating Gambling Disorder, it will now cover three more behavioral addictions: Internet Gaming Disorder, Compulsive Sexual Behaviour, and Binge Eating Disorder.

The goal is to “harness a window in which the brain is able to make new connections” to create lasting behaviour changes. 

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