Issue 133

CDPRG discusses the UK’s Reschedule Psilocybin campaign

Currently in the UK psilocybin is categorised as a Schedule 1 drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 2001 – the highest schedule alongside drugs such as raw opium and LSD.

This status makes research into the substance incredibly challenging as financial costs for licensing and laboratory retrofitting can be costly.

Although costly – some are successful in carrying out such research – and now, an increasing amount of studies are showing psychedelic compounds such as psilocybin, LSD, DMT and others as promising treatments for mental health conditions.

A recent debate in UK Parliament saw MP for Warrington North, Charlotte Nichols, lead calls for the rescheduling of psilocybin after describing her own experience living with PTSD.

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MP CHARLOTTE NICHOLS SPEAKING AT PSYCH SYMPOSIUM: LONDON 2023

The Labour MP recently opened the UK’s parliamentary debate on enabling greater access to psilocybin.

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REUNION NEUROSCIENCE TO BE ACQUIRED FOR US$13.1 MILLION

Shares in the life sciences company nearly doubled on the news it would be acquired by MPM BioImpact.

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BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT

The different components of psychedelic therapy. The New York Times looks at non-drug and drug sessions ahead of the regulation of MDMA and psilocybin.

US Patent Trial and Appeal Board upholds COMPASS Pathways’ IP. The decision relates to the disputed patents covering crystalline psilocybin.

Psychedelic profiles: ketamine. Ketamine activates AMPA receptors, which are responsible for the majority of excitatory synaptic transmissions.

Ketamine may be a safe treatment for refractory migraine. Almost three quarters of patients used fewer pain medications when using a nasal ketamine spray.

Algernon completes dosing in Phase I DMT study. The company hopes to find an effective treatment for stroke and TBI.

On Thursday, 6 July, industry leaders will converge at the iconic British Museum for PSYCH Symposium: London 2023.

Secure your ticket today for just £329 + VAT, before prices rise next week.

TICKET REGISTRATION

SCIENCE AND RESEARCH

Kentucky allocates US$42 million for psychedelic research. It hopes psychedelic medicines will be effective in the treatment of opioid use disorder.

Psychedelic drugs promote plasticity by binding to BDNF receptor TrkB. Research provides hope for psychedelic medicines without hallucinogenic effects.

US researchers analyse ketamine’s black market. There has been a 349% rise in seizures of ketamine by law enforcement from 2017 to 2022.

REGULATION AND LEGISLATION

Bipartisan bill would fund psychedelic research with US$75m in grants. The bill is focussed on researching effective treatments for PTSD.

Rhode Island lawmakers pass bill to legalise psilocybin. Approved in a 12-2 vote, the next stop for the bill will be the House floor.

Would your organisation benefit from engaging with Europe’s psychedelic medicine community?

Would you like to be an official partner of this year’s PSYCH Symposium?

300+ leading investors, policymakers, operators and academics will join us on July 6th in London. Held at the iconic British Museum, we’re expecting a sold out event, with C-Suite delegates from life sciences, business and finance.

Join our partners Cybin, Clerkenwell Health, Negev Capital and FTI Consulting, as Europe looks to become global leader in psychedelic healthcare.

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ARTICLES OF INTEREST

UK mental health services that fail to improve could be shut. Private companies are reported to receive £2 billion of taxpayers money each year.

Enhancing the quality of psychological interventions in mental health. Health providers are exploring how to provide better support remotely.

Parents outline poor mental health support for students. A petition gathered 128,000 signatures following a number of suicides.