Psilocybin

New study in *Neuron* reveals DOI, a psychedelic drug, reduces anxiety by activating ventral hippocampus neurons in mice and rats, offering insights into potential future anxiety treatments.

Psyence Biomed adds Empax Center in Perth as second trial site for Phase IIb psilocybin study for Adjustment Disorder in Palliative Care, with patient recruitment starting this quarter and topline data expected in H2 2025.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) merges psychotherapy with psychedelic states, facilitated by substances like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA, showing potential in treating PTSD, TRD, MDD, and other conditions. Despite being classified as Schedule I drugs, their therapeutic potential is increasingly recognized, leading to FDA Breakthrough Therapy designations for MDMA and psilocybin. Recent research suggests these substances reopen a 'critical period' in the brain, enhancing social reward learning and brain plasticity. Methodologically rigorous clinical research indicates substantial long-term symptom alleviation, with single sessions leading to significant symptom reduction and remission lasting up to twelve months. Despite regulatory challenges, ongoing research and clinical trials continue to explore and validate the therapeutic benefits of PAT.

Psilocybin vs. escitalopram in treating depression: Psilocybin showed greater joy and well-being at six months, but challenges remain in scaling and cost. Brain scans revealed increased flexibility in psilocybin users, predicting better outcomes.

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is increasingly recognized as a breakthrough treatment for mental health issues, but lack of certification creates roadblocks for patients in Quebec. Only Alberta requires psychiatric training for PAP prescribers, while independent organizations offer training not recognized by Health Canada or INSPQ. Health Canada's Special Access Program allows access to psilocybin and MDMA for serious conditions, but the application process is invasive and confusing. The absence of official PAP certification raises concerns about the qualifications of those reviewing applications, potentially delaying or denying access to life-altering treatments.

Massachusetts may legalize certain plant-based psychedelics on Nov. 5, following Oregon and Colorado. The Natural Psychedelic Substances Act aims to regulate access to psilocybin, DMT, mescaline, and ibogaine at licensed therapy centers. Experts warn of safety and purity concerns, suggesting FDA approval of purified, synthetic molecules is the safest path. Despite potential implementation challenges, state initiatives and pharmaceutical development may coexist.

Ibogaine induces intense hallucinations, while tabernanthalog, a non-hallucinogenic analogue, offers altered states without trips. The definition of a trip is evolving as researchers develop non-hallucinogenic psychedelics for medical use, raising questions about what constitutes a psychedelic experience.

Tryptamine Therapeutics (AU:TYP) announced that their Phase 1b study of TRP-8803, an IV-infused psilocin formulation, was deemed safe by the Safety Review Council, enabling further clinical trials. This builds on previous successful studies with their oral psilocybin treatment, TRP-8802, as the company advances psilocin-based therapies for unmet medical needs.