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, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – January 26, 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.

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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