Issue 187

Drug Science and UCL to tackle FDA concerns on therapy component of MDMA treatment

Drug Science and University College London (UCL) are joining forces in a new collaboration that seeks to address concerns over the therapy component of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in light of the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rejection.

The collaboration aims to explore different therapeutic modalities to assess their compatibility with MDMA and to identify the key features of the psychotherapeutic model that are crucial to its effectiveness.

Professor David Nutt, Founder of Drug Science, said: “MDMA-assisted therapy has shown great promise, but the recent decision by the FDA highlights the necessity for further research.

“Our collaboration with UCL aims to address the specific concerns raised, particularly around the regulation of combination therapy and therapist training.

“This partnership is crucial for developing a more refined and evidence-based understanding of MDMA’s therapeutic potential.”

GRAFT POLYMER DISCUSSES PROGRESS

CEO of Graft Polymer (UK) Plc (LSE:GPL), Anthony Tennyson, discusses the strong progress it has made in its collaboration with Awakn Life Sciences.

The collaboration aims to develop new therapeutics for trauma-related mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Tennyson told Proactive Investors that two aminoindane chemical series selected as lead candidates so far, “marking a crucial step forward in drug development.”

CAN PSYCHEDELICS CURB METH ABUSE?

Forbes reports that a team of researchers associated with the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee were recently awarded a five-year, $2.4 million research grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to determine how psychedelics could be used as a therapeutic to treat methamphetamine addiction.

According to the publication, the NIH grant will enable researchers to explore a new approach to treating methamphetamine addiction.

SCIENCE AND RESEARCH

New study explores clinically relevant acute subjective effects of psychedelics beyond the mystical experience.

LSD, psilocybin and ayahuasca could treat alcohol use disorder.

A pre-print of ‘Psilocin fosters neuroplasticity in iPSC-derived human cortical neurons’ has been published.

A $2.4m grant will support research into psychedelics for substance abuse.

REGULATION AND LEGISLATION

New Jersey bill would legalise ‘magic mushrooms’ for medical and recreational use.

FDA to expand investigation into Lykos’ MDMA clinical trials following therapy rejection.

BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT

Optimi Health will test its psilocybin on frontline healthcare workers.

Psychedelics company founded by crypto pioneer set for £10m London float.

PharmAla launches tool to improve access to information on MDMA.

MAPS awards grant for pilot MDMA-assisted massed exposure therapy trial.

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

A new Police Oracle study has revealed that a record number of UK police officers have been signed off with poor mental health in the past year.

Nuffield Health’s annual Healthier Nation Index survey has revealed the true mental health impact of the cost-of-living crisis.