Lead program: Preclinical

Equulus Therapeutics

Also known as: EQUULUS

Data updated June 27, 2026

2 Drug Candidates

Equulus Therapeutics (Raleigh, NC) was founded in 2023 to develop non-hallucinogenic, non-cardiotoxic ibogaine analogs for substance use disorders. Lead candidate EQL-101 retains ibogaine’s anti-addictive efficacy while eliminating its hallucinogenic effects and cardiotoxicity (hERG inhibition). The company is advancing EQL-101 through IND-enabling studies targeting first-in-human dosing by Q4 2026. Co-founded by RTI medicinal chemist Bruce Blough and pharmacologist Kevin Murnane (LSU), who received a $2.4M NIH grant for methamphetamine use disorder research.

Pipeline Intelligence

Developer Momentum

Programme tracker

Active candidates: 2
Active programmes: 2
Lead stage: Preclinical
Forecast coverage: 2 of 2

Latest sourced update

How Analog Ibogaine Could Help Conquer CNS Disorders — Drug Discovery Online

Jun 27, 2026 - industry-media - Drug Discovery Online - EQL-101 (Non-Hallucinogenic Ibogaine Analog)

Next known catalyst

Regulatory filing submitted

Timing not specified - EQL-101 (Non-Hallucinogenic Ibogaine Analog) / EQL-101 — IND-Enabling Studies (OUD/SUD) - Confidence: 40%

9 sources0 pipeline-linked trials0 pipeline-linked papers1 Preclinical1 Discovery

Development Programmes

EQL-101 (Non-Hallucinogenic Ibogaine Analog)

Preclinical

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)Substance Use Disorders (SUD)PTSD Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Synthetic non-hallucinogenic, non-cardiotoxic ibogaine analog. Decouples neuroplasticity from hallucinatory pathways and cardiotoxicity while retaining ibogaine's anti-addictive efficacy. Developed from Bruce Blough's serotonin releaser technology at RTI International (750+ compound library). Preclinical data shows anti-addictive efficacy comparable to ibogaine without hallucinogenic or cardiac side effects. NIDA-funded preclinical assessments at RTI.

Programme Tracker

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

Primary: US (FDA)

Pre-clinicalActive

Forecast

Regulatory filing submitted

IND-enabling studies underway. First-in-human dosing targeted for Q4 2026. NIDA-funded preclinical work at RTI International confirms anti-addictive efficacy comparable to ibogaine in animal models. Transdiagnostic regulatory strategy targeting multiple indications.

Milestones

Company milestone

Completed

Actual: Apr 25, 2024

Equulus Therapeutics emerges from stealth with EQL-101 as lead candidate — non-hallucinogenic, non-cardiotoxic ibogaine analog for substance use disorders and CNS conditions. Co-founded by Bob Discordia (ex-BMS, led CMC for Taxol/Eliquis), Bruce Blough (RTI, 170+ papers), Kevin Murnane (LSU/NIDA), and Peter Hendricks (UAB).

Why it matters: Experienced pharmaceutical leadership (Discordia's 26 years at BMS) combined with world-class psychedelic medicinal chemistry (Blough's RTI lab, 750+ serotonin releaser compounds). The ibogaine space is crowded (Soneira, DemeRx, Delix) but Equulus's compound addresses the two biggest ibogaine risks: hallucinations and QT prolongation/cardiotoxicity.

Psychedelic Alpha — Equulus Therapeutics Emerges from Stealth(industry-media)[Verified]

Company milestone

Completed

Actual: Feb 26, 2026

CEO Bob Discordia and co-founder Peter Hendricks present at 6th Annual Psychedelic Therapeutics and Drug Development Conference (New Orleans). EQL-101 IND-enabling studies progress update. First-in-human dosing targeted Q4 2026.

Why it matters: Conference presentation signals active IND-enabling progress. Q4 2026 FIH target means IND filing expected H1-H2 2026.

Psychedelic Therapeutics Conference 2026 Agenda — Equulus Presentations(Conference)[Verified]

Recorded Events

Feb 26, 2026: Company milestone

Apr 25, 2024: Company milestone

Evidence Links

How Analog Ibogaine Could Help Conquer CNS Disorders — Drug Discovery Online

industry-media - Drug Discovery Online - Jun 27, 2026 - Verified

Innovating CNS Disorder Treatment: Equulus and Analog Ibogaine — Microdose

industry-media - Microdose - May 6, 2024 - Verified

EQL-101 — Wikipedia

reference - Wikipedia - Jan 26, 2026 - plausible

Serotonin Releaser Platform (MDMA-Inspired & Fenfluramine-Class)

Discovery

PTSD Substance Use Disorders (SUD)

Platform of 750+ serotonin releaser compounds from RTI International (Bruce Blough lab). Multiple discovery-stage programmes: (1) MDMA-inspired non-dissociative small molecule for PTSD — preserves pro-social neuroplasticity, minimises stimulant load/hyperthermia/abuse liability; (2) Next-generation fenfluramine-class selective serotonin releaser for epilepsy and obesity — retains seizure-modifying and appetite-regulating efficacy with improved cardiovascular safety; (3) Non-psychedelic 5-HT hybrid for mood stabilisation; (4) Dual-action CB1R neutral antagonist / CB2R agonist for nicotine dependence; (5) Confidential intranasal therapeutic in IND-enabling studies.

Programme Tracker

PTSD

Primary: US (FDA)

DiscoveryActive

Forecast

Discovery completed

Discovery-stage 5-HT releaser platform covering an MDMA-inspired PTSD asset and a next-generation fenfluramine-class programme. Equulus lists candidate selection as the next milestone; October 2025 secondary coverage also describes the 5-HT releaser/MDMA analog and related non-psychedelic pipeline. No IND has been disclosed for the serotonin-releaser assets.

Milestones

Discovery started

In progress

Equulus current site lists the MDMA-inspired and fenfluramine-class assets within its research and pipeline section and identifies candidate selection as next milestone.

Why it matters: Distinguishes the platform from the lead EQL-101 ibogaine analogue and anchors it as a discovery programme rather than a clinical-stage asset.

Watch next: Candidate selection, IND-enabling package, or indication-specific development plan.

Equulus Therapeutics - Research and Pipeline(company-website)[Verified]Microdose article summarizes Equulus MDMA analog and 5-HT releaser pipeline(industry-media)[Verified]