Issue 146

UK MPs welcome psychedelic research, call for scheduling review

In the latest development for psychedelics in the UK, the Home Affairs Committee Drug Report has seen MPs call for a review of drug scheduling in the country, welcoming the government’s commitment to psychedelic research.

The report highlights barriers to research that are preventing the UK from developing its own psychedelic research industry “which has an emerging and growing global market.”

Exploring topics such as legislative framework, the Government’s 10-year Drugs Strategy, county lines, health and criminal justice-led harm reduction, cannabis and more, the report recommends that the Government balances its criminal justice response to drugs with an increased public health response.

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BIG PHARMA BACKS PSYCHEDELIC MEDICINE WITH ACQUISITION

Otsuka Pharmaceutical has pivoted into the psychedelics space, with the acquisition of Mindset Pharma for US$59.2 million.

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PHASE II PSILOCYBIN STUDY FOR MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

A single 25mg dose of psilocybin has been found to deliver a sustained symptom improvement in patients over a 6-week period.

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BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT

Braxia Scientific reports financial results. The company lost C$800,000 in the three months ended 30 June 2023.

Awakn submits Phase III clinical trial application to treat severe alcohol use disorder. It is hoped the first patients will be treated later this year.

COMPASS uses AI to predict outcomes of psilocybin therapy. The model can predict results up to 12 weeks after the treatment was administered.

Cybin granted US patent for deuterated tryptamines. The patent covers its 5-MeO-DMT analogues until 2041.

Filament Health licenses psilocybin drug to Reset Pharma. PEX010 will be used in Reset Pharma’s Phase II trial to find a treatment of demoralisation syndrome.

Optimi Health obtains C$1 million for debt financing. The loan will bear interest at a rate of 7.5% per annum.

Psychedelic medicines have potential, but questions remain over their of safety. Some users have reported paranoia and the evoking of negative emotions.

Psilocybin and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. The psychedelic medicine could be a cure for the eating disorder.

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

Partnership with Psychedelic Health provides the opportunity to engage an audience ready to support the development of psychedelic medicine.

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

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SCIENCE AND RESEARCH

Coders identify direct therapeutic connections in psychedelic therapy. Measuring therapeutic connections helps understand the underlying mechanisms.

Esketamine, but not arketamine, shows antidepressant effect in rats. It remains unknown which enantiomer is responsible.

Psilocybin associated alterations in plasma glucocorticoid responses. Studies suggest glucocorticoid release is a key mechanism for anti-anxiety effects.

REGULATION AND LEGISLATION

Professor Nutt to appear before Scottish Parliament to discuss drug policies. While drug deaths in Scotland have fallen, they are still the highest in Europe.

California Senate-passed bill to legalise use of psychedelic medicine heads to assembly floor. Amendments were made to delay decriminalisation measures.

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

ADHD is an independent risk factor for serious mental health issues. It has been associated with depression, PTSD and anorexia nervosa.

The use of psychedelic medicines and climate change activism. Psychedelic experiences could improve connection with nature.

Missing the mark in mental health discourse. The expansion of mental health and illness concepts strains under-resourced healthcare providers.

UK Government plans to tighten conditions for health-related benefit claims. This year, incapacity benefits are set to cost the economy £26 billion.

Postpartum depression and maternal suicide. In the US, half a million women struggle with postpartum depression.

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