Issue 63

Psychedelic profiles: psilocybin

Psilocybin-assisted therapy for major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression are in Phase II trials, and may be approved by the FDA as early as 2025. The US federal department granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to the treatment, with 17 million people suffering from major depressive disorder in the US alone.

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring prodrug found in over 200 species of fungi. When ingested and metabolised, psilocybin converts into the tryptamine alkaloid psilocin, which imitates the neurotransmitter serotonin to produce psychoactive effects.

Brain imaging studies suggest high doses of psilocybin disrupt negative thought patterns through frenzied neurodynamics, which creates different neural pathways than those habitually used.

AWAKN SHARES DATA FROM PHASE II STUDY FOR ALCOHOL USE DISORDER

Patients achieved abstinence on 162 of 180 days following ketamine-assisted therapy, an increase from 2% prior to the trial to 86% post trial.

CANADA STREAMLINES ACCESS TO PSYCHEDELIC MEDICINES

Less than 2% opposed the amendment to improve patient access, signalling a wider regulatory change could be on the horizon.

BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT

Updates from the psychedelic industry and a look back at 2021.

Braxia raises C$6m in private placement

Field Trip secures patent for novel psychedelic compound.

FDA approves atai’s ketamine trial for treatment-resistant depression.

Cybin gains approval for ketamine brain imaging studies.

PharmaTher to proceed to Phase II trials to treat ALS.

The next big trend in mental health treatments?

PharmExec: Pharma’s psychedelic experience.

The emerging psilocybin monopoly.

Debunking the myths and misconceptions of the psychedelics industry.

Mydecine provides update on AI-driven drug discovery programme.

Could VR offer a sober shortcut to the healing potential of psychedelics?

Documentary: The Battle Over Psychedelic Therapy’s Future.

The Psychedelics as Medicine Report: Third Edition

The 200+ page Psychedelics as Medicine Report: Third Edition is the most comprehensive analysis of the psychedelic healthcare industry, empowering investors, operators and regulators to make informed decisions.

Key findings:

The medical psychedelic market is valued at US$190 million, and is expected to exceed US$2.4 billion by 2026.
Investment in psychedelic companies has now surpassed US$2 billion.
Two-thirds of North Americans and Europeans support the legalisation of psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Download your complimentary copy

SCIENCE AND RESEARCH

Australia pledges AU$14.8m for innovative mental health clinical trials.

Expert discusses how DMT differs from other psychedelic medicines.

MYND enters research agreement with University of British Columbia.

Are magic mushrooms a breakthrough weapon against depression?

MDMA and psilocybin use associated with lowered odds of psychological distress.

An extra-potent ketamine spray could help treat depression.

REGULATION AND LEGISLATION

Washington State lawmakers file bill to regulate psilocybin-assisted therapy.

Global coalition launched to reschedule psilocybin under international rules.

Senator aids psychedelic church’s fight against DEA and IRS.

Health Canada releases guidelines on clinical trials with psilocybin.