Issue 178

UK advisory body issues rapid response on psychedelics for PTSD

The UK’s independent Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) has issued a rapid response on psychedelic-assisted therapy for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The response is intended to inform policymakers on the topic as increasing research around psychedelics shows the compounds may hold promise as innovative treatments in the area of mental health.

The rapid response is the third response on psychedelics to come from POST – one of the first independent bodies of its kind in the world that sources independent analysis of public policy issues relating to science and tech for government.

Previous responses have covered depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and eating disorders.

PSILOCYBIN FOR CHRONIC PAIN

PsyPost reports that scientists have recently discovered that psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms,” can significantly reduce chronic pain in rats.

Notably, this pain relief was related to pain from touch, but not pain from heat. The study was published in Current Biology.

The study found that both the low and high doses of psilocybin significantly reduced mechanical hypersensitivity for all testing days, up to 28 days.

TAKE HOME MICRODOSING TRIAL

MindBio Therapeutics CEO Justin Hanka speaks to Clinical Leader, about the company’s clinical trial investigating the use of a take-home microdosing regimen for depression.

Hanka delves into the details of the trial and its potential impact on the treatment of depression.

“With a take-home microdosing approach, patients can self-administer the treatment in the comfort of their own homes, without the need for costly clinical supervision…”

SCIENCE AND RESEARCH

A new study reports the effectiveness of a psychedelic compound in improving stress-related behaviors of mice exposed to repeated social aggression.

A study on psychedelic mushrooms for treating addiction and trauma is on track to begin at the University of Washington School of Medicine early next year.

REGULATION AND LEGISLATION

Deregulating certain psychedelics could help to address unmet patient needs, write Colin Callaghan, Hugo Geerts and Patrick Loebs.

An independent analysis of clinical studies of MDMA-assisted therapy raised doubts about the results, reports The Washington Post.

BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT

Brain Futures has published a resource for navigating insurance reimbursement for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT).

Algernon NeuroScience and the Centre for Human Drug Research will present its Phase 1 DMT stroke study data at the Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research.

Clerkenwell Health has launched a free therapist training programme to remove bottlenecks in the psychedelic industry.

The 2024 Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research (ICPR) will be featuring a series of experts who will explore what’s ahead for psychedelic medicine, reports Forbes.

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

The number of people suffering from mental health problems caused by their jobs has soared by 275,000 since the pandemic, the i has revealed.

Mental health services are key to preventing violent crimes, says London Mayor Sadiq Khan following London sword attack.