Filament Health Corp. has announced that its botanical psilocybin drug candidate, PEX010, has been shipped to the University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison) for investigation in two clinical trials. Both trials are authorized by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will study the effects of psilocybin on neuroplasticity, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for various mental health conditions.
Investigating Neuroplasticity with PEX010
UW-Madison, recognized as a leader in psychiatric research, will conduct two trials using Filament's PEX010. These trials aim to explore how psilocybin can improve neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections—and its subsequent impact on mental wellbeing.
The ENHANCE Study: Expanding the Perception Box
The first clinical trial, named The ENHANCE Study, is funded by the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation. It will involve 100 healthy volunteers and will investigate whether enhancing psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity can expand the "Perception Box," a concept developed by the foundation's founder, Elizabeth Koch. The Perception Box represents the internal beliefs and biases that shape an individual’s worldview. The study aims to determine if expanding this box through psychedelics can reduce suffering, foster self-acceptance, and increase empathy.
The RECAP2 Study: Long-Term Effects on Wellbeing
The second clinical trial, The RECAP2 Study, will examine the long-term effects of psilocybin on wellbeing. This study will enroll 60 physically healthy volunteers who are experiencing mild declines in their mental health. The trial seeks to understand if the neuroplastic effects of psilocybin can lead to lasting improvements in participants' perceptions and overall wellbeing.
Leadership Insights
Dr. Charles Raison, professor of psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison, is the principal investigator for both trials. "Our goal with this research is to examine how psilocybin's effects on neuroplasticity may impact participants' wellbeing and their ability to understand the world around them," Dr. Raison stated.
Benjamin Lightburn, CEO of Filament Health, emphasized the significance of UW-Madison's expertise in psychiatric research. "We are proud that Dr. Raison and his team have selected Filament's drug candidate for clinical trials of this calibre, and we're pleased to support their important research," Lightburn said.
Both trials are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2025 and are part of a broader initiative to explore how neuroplasticity can support lasting improvements in participants' perceptions and overall wellbeing. Filament Health's PEX010 has already been authorized for investigation in 41 clinical trials globally across 14 mental health indications, marking a significant step in psychedelic research and development.
