Key points from article :
David Nutt is developing a safe synthetic alcohol substitute called Alcarelle.
Alcosynth molecule will provide enjoyment of alcohol, without the health issues or hangover.
Raised £20m in seed funding in November 2018 to take Alcarelle to market.
If alcohol were discovered today, it would be illegal as a foodstuff.
In 1983, Nutt discovered an alcohol antidote that blocks Gaba receptors in brain.
Alcarelle can be designed with a peak intoxication effect, limiting drunkenness.
People in the lab who have tried it say it doesn’t taste nice by itself, but OK with mixers.
Now starting food regulations approval process - could take 3-5 years.
Nutt is director of the neuropsychopharmacology unit at Imperial College London.
