Issue 125

The Rise in Psychedelic Research

We have witnessed an exponential increase in the number of private companies developing proprietary analogues of psychedelic compounds such as psilocybin, DMT and LSD.

While many hope these compounds provide improved safety profiles and higher efficacy, their success is not guaranteed. An alternative route for many of these new chemical entities may be repurposing. If a drug like psilocybin gets approved for the treatment of depression, it may get used off-label, as is currently being done with ketamine. However, real-world data supporting the efficacy of such treatments will be needed before off-label use is permitted.

Ultimately, well-designed clinical trials with larger numbers of participants are needed in psychedelic healthcare. Regulatory agencies require vast troves of data before deciding if such drugs can reach the market. Nonetheless, the use of psychedelic medicines for specific indications may soon become a reality.

ACCESSING PSYCHEDELIC MEDICINES IN EUROPE

Tadeusz Hawrot, Founder of PAREA, outlines the need for equitable access to psychedelic healthcare.

MAPS RELEASES DATA FROM PHASE III MDMA STUDY

Some PTSD patients saw a durable response at twelve months following MDMA-assisted therapy.

BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT

Accessing psychedelic medicine in Australia. From July, authorised psychiatrists will be permitted to prescribe psilocybin.

Netherlands to investigate medical use of MDMA. A commission has been created to advise on the psychedelic medicine’s therapeutic application.

Clearmind closes public offering. The Nasdaq listed company has raised US$3.5m for drug development.

Beckley Psytech launches Phase II clinical trial for alcohol use disorder. A synthetic 5-MeO-DMT formulation will be delivered intranasally.

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

Second release tickets on sale for £329 + VAT.

TICKET REGISTRATION

SCIENCE AND RESEARCH

The mood-elevating properties of microdosed LSD. Participants reported increased feelings of creativity and connectedness.

The push to involve active-duty service personnel in psychedelic research. A legislative effort is underway to include service members in clinical trials.

REGULATION AND LEGISLATION

Federal bill to remove mandatory sentences for non-violent drug offences. It also limits pre-trial detention.

Bill filed in Massachusetts to regulate psychedelic medicines. The reform would legalise psilocybin, mescaline and DMT.

Psychedelic research legislation advances in Washington. Lawmakers had rejected measures to legalise psilocybin.

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

Event partnership provides the opportunity to engage with an audience ready to support the development of psychedelic healthcare.

Previous partners include COMPASS Pathways, Beckley Psytech and Awakn Life Sciences.

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

Psychedelic therapies for terminal cancer patients. Dr Roland Griffiths, Founding Director of Johns Hopkins Center, spoke with The New York Times.

The use of psychedelic drugs in Europe 3,000 years ago. Hair samples provide evidence for the use of mind-altering substances.