Issue 190

European Citizen Initiative in support of psychedelic therapies to launch in 2025

The European Citizens’ Initiative for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies – launching at the start of 2025 – is aiming to collect one million signatures to urge the European Commission (EC) to take action on psychedelic-assisted therapies.

The initiative is backed by 24 organisations, associations, researchers, therapists, patients, and citizens from 17 European countries, that are supporting the right of EU citizens to access affordable psychedelic-assisted therapies.

From 14 January 2025, the campaign will have one year to collect one million signatures from at least seven EU Member States in order to formally call for action from the EC. If the campaign collects the signatures successfully, the EC will have six months to respond to the initiative.

Dr Rayyan Zafar, Chair of the recently launched Psychedelic Industry UK, which is backing the initiative, commented: “This initiative presents an unparalleled opportunity for regulatory authorities to engage with the growing evidence base supporting psychedelic-assisted therapies.

“By doing so, we can develop a comprehensive regulatory framework that not only facilitates access to these treatments under medical supervision but also ensures the highest standards of safety and efficacy.”

SAFER PSYCHEDELIC DRUGS MAY BE COMING

When an expert panel that advises the FDA met in June to discuss MDMA’s potential use as a PTSD treatment, its members had numerous concerns, including MDMA’s potential to cause heart problems, writes Time, ultimately leading to a vote against the therapy.

The publication explores how companies are now charting another path forward for psychedelic therapies in the wake of that decision, with new — and theoretically improved — drugs.

CAMBRIDGE TRIALS TO ASSESS PSYCHEDELICS

People across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough with severe mental health conditions can now take part in groundbreaking clinical trials assessing the effects of empathogens and psychedelics, reports Wisbech Standard.

The trials, led by Cambridge Psychedelic Research group, aim to determine if the substances can aid those with treatment-resistant mental health conditions, WS reports.

SCIENCE AND RESEARCH

MedScape explores how psychedelic drugs can aid patients at the end of life.

A study has pinpointed the brain region where psychedelics reduce anxiety without hallucinations.

A new study has shown that the human brain changes after a first psilocybin use.

A recent study has revealed that psilocybin increases optimistic engagement over time in mouse models.

REGULATION AND LEGISLATION

Forbes explores the Massachusetts ballot seeking the legalisation of psychedelic drugs.

New Hampshire lawmakers vote against a bill aiming to legalise psychedelics drugs.

BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT

Awakn has partnered with the University of Nottingham for in vivo testing of its aminoindane New Chemical Entity pre-clinical programme.

Manchester firm MAC has been chosen by Small Pharma to lead research into psychedelic drug treatment for depression.

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

The European Parliament has called for action to protect mental health as an increase in mental health problems could lead to the next health crisis.

Researchers are urging UK governments to tackle serious mental health illness and substance use as services across the UK remain ill-equipped to meet needs.