Midomafetamine

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticizes FDA's suppression of non-patentable health products, suggesting changes to approval processes, marketing claims, and food regulations if appointed to HHS secretary.

Scientists fear Trump's administration could undermine public health achievements, with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. potentially leading a radical antiestablishment movement. Vaccine mandates, new vaccine approvals, and FDA decisions could be impacted, along with potential mass firings of dissenting scientists. Kennedy and allies advocate for dramatic public health changes, criticizing government agencies for promoting unhealthy practices and dangerous drugs. The potential for significant changes in federal health agencies, including the NIH and CDC, is concerning to many health professionals.

A drug dealer, Jordan McCourt-Knight, lost a bag of ketamine on a train, reported it missing, and inadvertently led to the collapse of a criminal organization. The British Transport Police found the bag, arrested McCourt-Knight, and used his EncroPhone to trace his employer, Harley Hall. Both were convicted and sentenced to prison.

CaaMTech received regulatory approval for its functional unblinding strategy in CT-4201 drug trials, addressing a major hurdle in psychedelic medicine development.

PharmAla Biotech signed a Letter of Intent with a research institution to provide LaNeo MDMA in exchange for a perpetual license to trial data, considering discounts for intellectual property. The company aims to finalize the agreement by year-end, withholding the institution's identity until the binding agreement is executed. PharmAla also settled $100,000 debt through issuing shares.

Cybin Inc. and MindMed Inc. plan to start phase 3 trials for psilocybin and LSD treatments in 2023, aiming for 2026 results. Despite recent setbacks, including FDA rejections and data issues, both companies remain optimistic, supported by FDA approvals and cautious analyst optimism.

Atai Life Sciences reported a $26.3 million net loss for Q3, down from $43.3 million net income in the previous year. The company is progressing toward federal approval for several psychedelic drugs, with clinical trials for VLS-01 (depression) and EMP-01 (social anxiety disorder) expected by end of 2024. Atai also acquired IntelGenX Technologies Corp. in an all-debt/equity deal, enhancing its psychedelic medicine portfolio.

Psychedelic drug users have a 21-fold higher risk of developing schizophrenia after ER visits, with a 3.5-fold increased risk even after controlling for existing substance use and mental health disorders, according to a Canadian study. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, highlights the potential risks of hallucinogen use outside clinical trial settings.

Researchers, including Dr. Lynnette Averill, study psychedelics for PTSD treatment in veterans, finding rapid symptom improvement in some cases. Despite challenges, psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise for mental health issues like depression and anxiety, offering a potential lifesaving alternative to traditional treatments.

Drug-related crashes causing 2,893 injuries/deaths in 2022, up from 1,059 a decade ago. 134 deaths last year, compared to 55 in 2012. RAC calls for tougher measures and education. Police use high-tech equipment for roadside drug testing. 62,000 drug offence endorsements, mostly men in their 20s. Drug-driving laws introduced in 2015.