Enhanced nasal retention is a critical step toward maximizing MEAI absorption and therapeutic potential. These results reinforce Clearmind’s strategy of developing differentiated, next‑generation treatments for AUD and other high‑need indications. The study forms a core component of Clearmind’s intranasal MEAI development program, designed to overcome the limitations of rapid mucociliary clearance and deliver more consistent, effective dosing.

The study was conducted as part of Clearmind’s development program focused on the development of an intranasal formulation of MEAI for the treatment of AUD. A key objective of the program is to improve the residence time of MEAI within the nasal cavity, potentially increasing the opportunity for absorption before mucociliary clearance removes the formulation from the nasal surface.

Ex Vivo Nasal Residence Time Evaluation

The ex vivo mucoadhesion study was designed to evaluate the ability of its intranasal MEAI formulation to remain associated with nasal tissue over time compared with a non‑mucoadhesive MEAI solution. Using freshly isolated rabbit nasal mucosa, both formulations were applied to the tissue surface and allowed to interact with the mucosa before exposure to a simulated nasal electrolyte solution. The amount of formulation retained on the tissue was measured over a 30‑minute period to generate comparative residence time profiles.

The intranasal MEAI formulation consistently maintained a greater proportion of its initially adhered dose throughout the entire evaluation period, demonstrating a clear retention advantage over the reference solution.

These results highlight the contribution of the mucoadhesive polymer system incorporated into the intranasal MEAI formulation and provide further validation of Clearmind’s nasal drug‑delivery platform, which is engineered to increase formulation residence at mucosal surfaces and enhance overall delivery performance.

Extended residence time within the nasal cavity is widely recognized as a key factor in effective intranasal drug administration, as prolonged contact with the nasal mucosa increases the opportunity for absorption and may improve therapeutic efficiency. The observed retention profile suggests that Clearmind’s intranasal MEAI formulation may offer meaningful advantages over conventional non‑mucoadhesive approaches.