Issue 191

Landmark UK trial to investigate psilocybin for opioid addiction relapse

For the first time, a government-funded UK trial will investigate psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for targetting relapses associated with opioid addiction, aiming to bring an innovative new therapy to the NHS if successful.

The study is one of four projects focused on reducing drug deaths that have been funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) as part of the Addiction Healthcare Goals programme, led by the Office for Life Science (OLS).

According to the NHIR, the programme forms part of the Department of Health and Social Care’s plan to deliver a world-class treatment and recovery system for people experiencing drug and alcohol addictions.

Dr David Erritzoe, Clinical Director and Deputy Head of the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, project co-lead, said in a press statement: “We know that up to 90% of people relapse back to opioid use within 12 months of finishing detox, so finding new and effective treatments is essential.

“If our initial trial is successful, we will work to enable the development of further clinical trials in larger populations, to bring a new treatment to patients and the NHS.”

LYKOS AND FDA AGREE ON PATH FORWARD FOR MDMA

Lykos Therapeutics has confirmed its FDA meeting regarding its MDMA treatment for PTSD has resulted in a path forward.

The company stated: “The meeting resulted in a path forward, including an additional Phase 3 trial, and a potential independent third-party review of prior Phase 3 clinical data. Lykos will continue to work with the FDA on finalising a plan and we will continue to provide updates as appropriate.”

PSYCHEDELICS HOLD PROMISE FOR OCD

A new study highlights the potential of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette’s Syndrome, according to News Medical Life Sciences.

Research showed that psilocybin significantly reduced OCD-like behaviors and tic-like twitches, paving the way for clinical trials and offering hope for new, effective treatments for OCD and Tourette’s Syndrome.

SCIENCE AND RESEARCH

A new study has explored the effects of classical psychedelics on implicit and explicit emotional empathy and cognitive empathy.

Scientists have uncovered a link between psychedelic experiences and heart activity.

Increased psychological flexibility may underlie the lasting positive effects of psychedelic experiences on mental wellbeing, a new study shows.

New findings show the psychedelic DOI lessens anxiety while activating the ventral hippocampus.

REGULATION AND LEGISLATION

Expert recommendations for Germany’s integration of psychedelic-assisted therapy have been published.

Dr John R. Kelly makes the case for accessibility to psychedelic therapies for mental disorders in Ireland.

BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT

Optimi Health has announced that the first PTSD patients have been treated with MDMA capsules in Australia.

MindMed advances its novel LSD therapy for generalised anxiety disorder to a Phase 3 trial.

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

The UK Ministry of Defence has outlined ongoing initiatives and new developments aimed at improving mental health services for active duty personnel and veterans.

A new report shows that government policies aimed at driving economic growth are severely impacting the mental health of people living in poverty, reports European Interest.