Usona Institute

Psilocybin Shows Promise in Easing End-of-Life Distress

4 months ago

• Psilocybin-assisted therapy is emerging as a potential treatment for anxiety, depression, and existential distress in patients facing terminal illnesses. • Studies show that psilocybin can significantly reduce depression and anxiety in cancer patients, with benefits lasting for six months or longer. • Psilocybin influences the brain's default mode network, reducing rumination and fear of death, and fostering a sense of peace and acceptance. • The FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy status to psilocybin for depression-related conditions, accelerating its development and review for potential palliative care applications.

UW-Madison Pioneers Ketamine Study for Teens with PTSD

5 months ago

UW-Madison researchers are launching a groundbreaking study to explore the use of ketamine, combined with psychotherapy, for treating adolescents with PTSD. This early-stage trial aims to assess the safety and potential therapeutic benefits of ketamine in a controlled setting, marking a significant step in psychedelic research for mental health conditions.

Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Shows Promise for Mental Health in Cancer Patients and Alcohol Use Disorder

5 months ago

• Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and other psychological distress in cancer patients, with benefits lasting up to six months. • In patients with alcohol use disorder, psilocybin therapy led to reduced impulsivity, depression, and increased openness to emotions, observed seven months post-treatment. • Studies highlight the potential of psilocybin, when administered under medical supervision and combined with psychotherapy, to induce lasting, positive personality changes. • Researchers plan to explore the efficacy of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for opioid-use disorder, building on observed benefits in alcohol use disorder and cancer patients.

Compass Pathways Restructures, Cuts Staff Amid Psilocybin Trial Delays

7 months ago

• Compass Pathways is cutting 30% of its staff and halting early-stage research to focus on late-stage trials of its lead drug COMP360. • The company anticipates top-line data from its main Phase 3 trial in Q2 2025, with results from a second late-stage study pushed to H2 2026. • Increased regulatory scrutiny around maintaining the blinded nature of psychedelic drug trials has contributed to the delay. • Despite restructuring, Compass Pathways maintains $207 million in cash reserves, expected to fund operations into 2026.

DEA Proposes Increased Production of Psychedelics to Boost Clinical Research

8 months ago

• The DEA has proposed increasing the production quotas for psilocybin and psilocin by 50% to facilitate research into psychedelic therapies. • Ibogaine production is also slated to increase, reflecting a broader effort to explore psychedelics for mental health treatments. • These increases signal the DEA's support for psychedelic research, aiming to accelerate FDA approval of new drug products. • The move aligns with growing interest in psychedelics for treating conditions like depression, PTSD, and substance use disorder.

Millions of Americans Could Benefit from Psilocybin Therapy for Depression, Study Suggests

8 months ago

• A recent study estimates that 5.1 to 5.6 million Americans with depression could be eligible for psilocybin-assisted therapy if approved by the FDA. • The research analyzed national survey data and clinical trial criteria to project the potential demand for this novel treatment. • The study highlights the importance of addressing practical considerations like insurance coverage and practitioner availability for widespread implementation. • Researchers caution that the projections depend on FDA approval parameters and real-world factors, emphasizing the need for further research.

FDA Rejects MDMA for PTSD Treatment, Raising Questions for Psychedelic Therapies

9 months ago

• The FDA has declined to approve MDMA, also known as ecstasy, as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), requesting an additional late-stage study. • Lykos Therapeutics, the company seeking approval, expressed disappointment and plans to request a reconsideration of the FDA's decision. • The FDA cited significant limitations in the application data, preventing the conclusion that MDMA is safe and effective for the proposed indication. • The decision casts uncertainty on the future of other psychedelic therapies in clinical trials, though some experts believe other substances may fare better.

Psychedelics in Medicine: A Renaissance in Mental Health Treatment

2 years ago

The article explores the resurgence of interest in psychedelics as a treatment for mental health disorders, highlighting a clinical trial at UC San Francisco involving long-term AIDS survivors. It discusses the historical context of psychedelic research, the therapeutic potential of substances like psilocybin and MDMA, and the challenges and future directions of psychedelic medicine.

Psychedelics and Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Review of Clinical Applications

5 years ago

This article reviews the clinical application of psychedelic drugs in psychiatric disorders, focusing on MDMA, psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca. It highlights the resurgence of research into their therapeutic potential, supported by organizations like MAPS and the Heffter Research Institute, and discusses their efficacy in treating conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety.