Issue 129

Psychedelic profiles: MDMA

When MAPS completed its Phase IIIa trials with MDMA in the treatment of PTSD, the subsequent data release grabbed headlines internationally, with MDMA expected to be the first classic psychedelic medicine approved for clinical use in the 21st century.

MDMA was first synthesised in 1912 by Dr Anton Köllisch at Merck, and patented by the company in 1914. However, its therapeutic utility lay undiscovered until research by acclaimed tryptamine chemist Alexander Shulgin half a century later. Shulgin introduced the compound to his wife, a psychotherapist, for use in couples therapy.

MDMA is an empathogen, a psychoactive chemical that elicits feelings of empathy, similar in structure to both mescaline and methamphetamine. In response to a rise in recreational use in nightclubs, the DEA declared an emergency ban on MDMA in 1985, despite its medical potential.

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OREGON LICENSES FIRST CENTRE TO PROVIDE PSILOCYBIN SERVICES

EPIC Healing Eugene will be able to administer psilocybin to adults over 21 without needing a medical diagnosis.

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KETAMINE-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS

Ketamine treatments typically take an hour and their therapeutic effects can last up to two weeks.

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BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT

Testing psilocybin products in Oregon. In the state’s regulatory framework, all products must be tested by a licensed facility.

Optimi Health signs psilocybin supply agreement worth C$1.2 million. The compound will be used in pre-clinical research and clinical trials.

First patient dosed in 5-MeO-DMT trial. Beckley Psytech is studying the psychedelic medicine’s efficacy against treatment-resistant depression.

Incannex Healthcare to establish psychedelic medicine clinic in Melbourne. The centre will have the capacity to treat over 600 patients per year.

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

Tickets on sale for £329 + VAT.

TICKET REGISTRATION

SCIENCE AND RESEARCH

Comparing LSD, ketamine and nitrous oxide. Patterns in brain activity suggests underlying similarities between the chemical compounds.

The link between psychedelic medicines and creativity. An interview with Natasha Mason, Ph.D., a researcher at the University of Maastricht.

Psilocybin and reversing fear conditioning. Improving hippocampal neuroplasticity may restore fear extinction in patients with PTSD.

REGULATION AND LEGISLATION

US federal official recognises therapeutic benefits of psychedelic medicines. The head of National Institute on Drug Abuse cited data from clinical trials.

Jefferson County in Washington approves decriminalisation measure. Enforcing laws regarding the possession of entheogens will be of the lowest priority.

Lawmakers in Vermont discuss the legalisation of psilocybin. Legislation was raised that would provide access to the psychedelic medicine.

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

Partnership with PSYCH provides the opportunity to engage an audience ready to support the development of psychedelic healthcare.

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

For more information and to request the PSYCH media kit, please email grace@psych.global.

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ARTICLES OF INTEREST

The use of social media not a key factor in adolescent mental health.  A study hopes to map the relationship between social media use and developmental systems in young people.

Poor mental health increases the risk of stroke or heart attack. Having a mental disorder could increase the risk of a heart attack by up to three-fold.

The use of antidepressants for chronic pain. A review of research found no substantial data on the efficacy of antidepressants against chronic pain.

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