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Making microdoses even safer

Mydecine Announces MYCO-005 Family of Improved Safety Microdose Novel Molecules

One of the few concerns that experts have about microdosing is the long term impact on heart health. Psilocybin binds to 5-HT2B receptors, which could increase risk of heart valve disease with frequent use. 

Mydecine (MYCO) developed a group of patent-pending molecules that bind only to 5-HT2A receptors, making them safer for microdosing. The company aims to administer these compounds through a microdosing patch to eliminate another side effect: nausea. 

Mydecine Innovations Group Inc.

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Discovering self-worth with ketamine

Healing my worth: Sarah’s story

Despite having a supportive family and a healthy lifestyle, Sarah had crippling self doubt and suicidal ideation. It wasn’t until she tried ketamine therapy that she realized why she felt these emotions.

The experience revealed that she never healed the scars of feeling unloved during her parents’ divorce. Her dream-like visions on ketamine showed her that separation is a natural part of life, and that she doesn’t need to be perfect to deserve love.

Sarah finally believes “I’m worth being here,’ she says. 

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Depression free for 1 year

Psychedelic therapy for depression still effective one year later

Johns Hopkins researchers followed up with patients one year after receiving psilocybin therapy. They found that 75% of patients sustained significant reductions in depression scores and 58% no longer qualified for a diagnosis. 

However, about a third of patients also used traditional antidepressants and 42% received additional psychotherapy at some point during the year.

So although psilocybin therapy can have rapid results, multiple treatment options can help sustain the benefits.

New Atlas logo

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Is microdosing a placebo? 💊

Nova Mentis Study Confirms Oral Microdose Psilocybin Treatment of Autism

This week, Nova Mentis (NOVA) announced that rats with cognitive impairments showed improvements in memory when given a microdose of psilocybin every other day for just two weeks.

However, a new University of Chicago study found no effect on mood or task performance after giving healthy volunteer 4 LSD microdoses 3-4 days apart in a placebo-controlled study.

Could it be that a more frequent dose is needed to see benefits? Or is psilocybin faster acting than LSD? Or maybe microdosing is a placebo after all.

Stay tuned as we follow along with the latest research. 

Novamentis
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Take a DMT trip without the anxiety

Cybin Announces Grant of U.S. Patent Covering its Proprietary Compound CYB004 (Deuterated DMT) for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

A wild DMT trip that blasts you off to a different dimension has potential to be therapeutic, but also very anxiety-inducing. 

That’s why Cybin (CYBN) developed a version of the molecule that breaks down slowly in the body. So instead of a 10-minute rocket ride to outer space, patients have a smoother, more pleasant experience with a larger therapeutic window. 

The company received a patent for the formulation this week and will study it as a treatment for anxiety disorders in Q3 of this year.

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Swimming in acid 🐠

Fish on acid? Microdosing zebrafish with LSD shows its potential benefits for humans

New research suggests that microdosing doesn’t cause withdrawal symptoms. But can it ease withdrawals from other substances?

MacEwan University researchers found that zebrafish showed increased anxiety behaviour during withdrawal from alcohol, consistent with symptoms that humans experience.  

However, when the zebrafish were given microdoses of LSD for 10 days (by putting them in a “dosing tank” for a precise period of time), there were no observed behavioural changes. This indicates that microdosing is not addictive and does not cause withdrawal symptoms. 

A study that’s currently underway will examine LSD microdoses on alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

The Conversation

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Treating rare disorders with ketamine

PharmaTher Granted FDA Orphan Drug Designation for Ketamine to Treat Status Epilepticus

PharmaTher (PHRM) is developing a treatment for a rare, seizure-inducing disorder called Status Epilepticus using ketamine. This week, it was granted a designation that will save them millions of dollars in the process. 

It’s called an Orphan Drug Designation and it gives the company potential tax credits, grant eligibility, and marketing exclusivity, and waives a $2.4M New Drug Application fee. It’s designed to incentivize R&D of treatments for rare conditions.

PharmaTher previously received the designation for ketamine to treat ALS and complex regional pain syndrome too!

PharmaTher Inc.

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Is this why ketamine helps with depression?

Perception study may explain promising depression therapy

Our brains are constantly making predictions about the world around us based on learned associations – if we hear sirens, we expect to see an ambulance. 

A recent study by University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers found that ketamine blocks the chemical signals that allow us to make predictions.

Why is this beneficial?

Many disorders are rooted in poor predictions. For instance, patients with depression often predict that the worst case scenario is bound to happen. 

“Blocking the negative predictions that are prominent in depressed patients could be how ketamine helps,” explains the school’s psychology and neuroscience professor.

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Goodbye Blue Mondays

Debunking the myth of ‘Blue Mondays’: No evidence of affect drop after taking clinical MDMA

A recent study found pure MDMA administered in a clinic does not have the “come down” effect that recreational users often report the day after dosing. 

Participants maintained a positive mood during the week following the dose. Plus, no participant had used or desired to use illegal MDMA at the 3 month and 6 month follow ups.

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