AFA-281 + ethanol

AFA-281 + ethanol is a **combination** of the novel small molecule drug **AFA-281** and **ethanol** (alcohol). AFA-281 is an investigational, orally bioavailable small molecule developed by AfaSci. Its mechanism involves dual modulation: inhibition of *T-type calcium channels* (specifically Cav3.2) and inhibition of *soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH)*. This dual-target approach aims to normalize neuronal excitability (by Cav3 inhibition) and reduce inflammation (by sEH inhibition), providing potential therapeutic benefits in neuropathic pain, CNS disorders, and substance use disorders such as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). AFA-281 demonstrates low off-target binding and favorable safety and tolerability in early studies, including lack of notable cardiac toxicity[1][2][4]. The combination with ethanol is studied chiefly to assess drug-drug interactions relevant to AUD trials, specifically in a clinical pharmacology context to ensure AFA-281 maintains safety and efficacy without altered pharmacokinetics or increased toxicity when co-administered with alcohol.