Psilocybin

Psychedelic drugs are nearing prescription for European patients with mental health issues, but hurdles remain. Research on psilocybin and MDMA is ongoing, with potential to treat conditions like depression and addiction. Controversy and challenges in study replication persist, but larger-scale studies and advances in brain scan technology are providing clearer insights. The first psychedelic to hit the European market may be from UK-based Compass Pathways, which is testing psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression. The psychedelic movement faces setbacks, such as US regulators rejecting MDMA for PTSD, which could delay access in Europe.

Psilocybin, found in 'magic' mushrooms, significantly reduced symptoms in people with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a condition linked to eating disorders, according to a study published in the journal Psychedelics. The treatment improved brain connectivity related to emotional processing and self-perception, leading to symptom relief within a week. More research is needed to confirm long-term effectiveness.

A study at ECNP Congress in Milan found psilocybin, from 'magic mushrooms,' as effective as escitalopram in treating depression, with potential long-term benefits. Psilocybin users reported better psychosocial functioning and life meaning over six months. Psilocybin could offer an alternative for non-responders to SSRIs, though its use requires controlled environments.

Psilocybin, in magic mushrooms, shows similar depression relief to SSRI antidepressants like Lexapro, with additional long-term benefits of greater life meaning and psychological connectedness, according to a clinical trial. However, psilocybin is experimental and should not be self-administered.

A phase 2 trial follow-up in eClinicalMedicine compares psilocybin and escitalopram for depression, with Dr. James Rucker noting potential biased reporting due to unblinded participants and preconceptions. The study, discussed at ECNP 2024, finds similar effectiveness between treatments, encouraging larger trials.

Psilocybin and SSRI escitalopram showed similar long-term depression symptom improvements, but psilocybin offered additional benefits in psychosocial functioning, meaning in life, and psychological connectedness over 6 months. Psilocybin also improved sexual drive, unlike SSRIs, suggesting potential additional mental health benefits.

John Krystal, MD discusses the potential of ketamine and other psychedelics in treating psychiatric disorders, highlighting the antidepressant effects of ketamine and the development of drug combinations at Freedom Biosciences to extend ketamine's efficacy. The FDA's recent decision on MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD has spurred further research into psychedelics for conditions like major depression, PTSD, migraine, and substance use disorders.

Congressional lawmakers seek public input on creating a regulatory framework for psychedelic therapies, emphasizing the need for inclusive, responsible, and ethical use, and considering the cultural practices of indigenous communities.

Shortwave Life Sciences announces positive pre-clinical results for its psilocybin-based drug combination, showing safety at elevated doses, paving the way for human trials in treating anorexia.

Drug shortages, including critical antibiotics, fever medications, and cancer treatments, highlight global supply chain issues and the need for improved health policies. The FDA rejected MDMA for PTSD treatment, with psilocybin next for treatment-resistant depression. Companion apps tested for alleviating loneliness. Advanced Clinical named one of Crain's Best Places to Work in Chicago 2024. Luke Forsthoefel's thought leadership article published in Pharmaceutical Executive magazine.