# Investigation of Microglial CRAC Channels as a Novel Drug Target for Opioid Use Disorder

> **NIH NIH R43** · VIVREON BIOSCIENCES, LLC · 2020 · $349,967

## Abstract

Vivreon Biosciences – RFA-19-019
Investigation of Microglial CRAC Channels as a Novel Drug Target for Opioid Use Disorder
Project Summary
Vivreon Biosciences is pleased to apply for NIDA RFA-19-019. Vivreon Biosciences is an innovative life sciences
company that is developing novel small molecule, Ca2+ channel inhibitors for the treatment of opioid use disorder
(OUD). Our candidate therapeutics target brain microglial cells by an entirely new mechanism – inhibition of Ca2+
release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels to block microgliosis. Vivreon seeks NIDA funding to perform preclinical
proof of concept studies to test its preclinical lead, VV7063, in an animal model of opioid use disorder (OUD)
and validate the CRAC channel as a therapeutic target for opioid withdrawal. Upon successful completion of this
grant, Vivreon will identify a novel, non-opioid target for OUD. Future funding will be aimed at improving drug-
like properties of Vivreon’s preclinical lead to identify the first ever CRAC-targeted clinical candidate for opioid
withdrawal, providing an entirely new tool in the battle against OUD.
Vivreon’s preclinical lead, VV7063, represents a novel chemotype with promising early drug-like properties and
has no deleterious effect on autonomic or motor function, suggesting CRAC channels are a safe CNS drug
target. It inhibits microgliosis by blocking CRAC channel activity with nM potency, suppressing M1-like NF-kB
activity, while enhancing M2-like phagocytosis and a homeostatic transcriptional signature. We will now
determine the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of VV7063 in rats followed by testing of VV7063 in a rat model of
OUD. The final milestone will be validation of the CRAC channel as a therapeutic target for OUD.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10146507
- **Project number:** 1R43DA053010-01
- **Recipient organization:** VIVREON BIOSCIENCES, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Milton L Greenberg
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $349,967
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-09-01 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10146507

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10146507, Investigation of Microglial CRAC Channels as a Novel Drug Target for Opioid Use Disorder (1R43DA053010-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10146507. Licensed CC0.

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