KH-001 is an atypical serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor which is under development for the treatment of premature ejaculation. It is taken on-demand orally. The drug is a purified alkaloid derived from the South African plant Sceletium tortuosum (kanna). It is said to be selective and to have high potency as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and phosphodiesterase inhibitor. In addition, KH-001 has atypical properties as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, including a rapid onset of therapeutic effectiveness rather than requiring chronic administration. KH-001 has been found to increase latency to ejaculation in male rats treated acutely with para-chloroamphetamine (PCA) to induce ejaculation. The pharmacokinetics of KH-001 in humans have been studied. It showed a rapid onset and a short duration. The drug is described as a potential first-in-class medication. KH-001 is under development by Kadence Bio (formerly Kanna Health). As of November 2024, it is in phase 1 clinical trials. Phase 2 trials were planned to begin in 2025. The chemical structure of KH-001 does not yet appear to have been disclosed. However, Kanna Health patented synthetic analogues of mesembrine with activity as serotonin reuptake inhibitors in 2023, with KH-001 being indicated as one of the compounds in the patent.
See also List of investigational sexual dysfunction drugs List of investigational hallucinogens and entactogens Sceletium tortuosum (kanna) and mesembrine SNTX-2643 (SENS-01)
References
External links Our Lead Asset: KH-001 - Our Work - Kadence Bio New potential treatment for premature ejaculation – KH-001 by Kadence Bio - r/PrematureEjaculation - Reddit Kanna KH 001 - Does anyone have any information about this? - r/PrematureEjaculation - Reddit