Issue 164

Psychedelic research secures first-ever European Union grant of €6.5 million

Marking a historic first for Europe, the EU has awarded €6.5 million to a consortium of 19 partners from nine different European countries for a clinical trial – the PsyPal trial.

The trial will study psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for psychological and existential distress in people who are diagnosed with either chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or atypical Parkinson’s disease (APD).

The study is the first clinical trial to investigate the safety and effects of psilocybin in non-oncology palliative care patients.

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ALPHAFOLD FOUND THOUSANDS OF POSSIBLE PSYCHEDELICS

Nature reports that researchers have used a protein-structure-prediction tool called AlphaFold to identify hundreds of thousands of potential new psychedelic molecules.

The publication says the tool could help to develop new kinds of antidepressants.

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CAN PSYCHEDELICS HELP CHRONIC LOWER BACK PAIN?

The University of Virginia reports on a study that will investigate whether psilocybin could help chronic back pain.

Patrick Finan, co-principal investigator for the trial told the University: “Chronic lower back pain is growing in prevalence, particularly as people age and medicine improves to keep people active longer.”

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BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT

Cybin has announced FDA clearance to initiate a Phase 2a study of CYB004 – its proprietary deuterated DMT – in Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Psilera has confirmed the selection of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) as the lead indication for its groundbreaking drug candidate, PSIL-006.

Incannex has completed dosing and therapy in Phase 2 of its PsiGAD clinical trial assessing Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Optimi Health has secured an amendment to increase quantities of MDMA, MDA and 2C-B under its Controlled Drugs And Substances Dealer’s Licence.

SCIENCE AND RESEARCH

Ibogaine – a traditional African psychedelic drug has been shown to reduce symptoms of brain injuries in a small clinical study on veterans.

Scientists have used EEG and fMRI in combination to explore the effects of DMT on the human brain.

The Psychedelic Pharmacists Association is working to promote and establish the role of the pharmacist in psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Psychology Today explores how cancer can impact mental health and how psychedelic therapy might help patients and their loved ones.

REGULATION AND LEGISLATION

The Los Angeles Times reports on how a California panel is holding up studies on psychedelics, but some researchers want it gone.

Medical professionals and first responders are urging lawmakers to consider policy reforms on psychedelics.

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

Mental Health UK has said that a “worrying” number of people taking time off work due to poor mental health leaves the UK at risk of becoming a “burnt-out nation”.

A new list has been published that ranks countries with the highest and lowest depression rates.

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