BioXcel jumps after mid-stage trial shows drug eases opioid withdrawal symptoms

BioXcel Therapeutics

05/03/2026 12:39

** Shares of drugmaker BioXcel Therapeutics BTAI.O rise 23% to $2.03 premarket

** Co says its experimental drug, BXCL501, helped ease symptoms of opioid withdrawal by over 30% in a mid-stage study with 80 adults

** Adds that BXCL501 outperformed lofexidine, a non-opioid taken four times a day for withdrawal symptoms

** Also notes fewer side effects for BXCL501 vs. lofexidine, including lower rates of low blood pressure and no reported sedation

** BTAI fell ~73% in 2025

 (Reporting by Sahil Pandey in Bengaluru)

 ((Sahil.Pandey@thomsonreuters.com))