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Treating alcoholism and depression with half the dose

Cybin Announces Positive CYB003 Data Demonstrating Significant Advantages Over Oral Psilocybin for Treatment of Mental Health

Cybin (CYBN) announced that its psilocybin formulation for depression and alcoholism, CYB003, could be more effective than oral psilocybin.

The company conducted preclinical testing on multiple species of animals. Researchers found that CYB003 has nearly double the brain penetration compared to oral psilocybin, resulting in a 50% reduction in dosage, variability, and onset time.

A smaller dosage has potential to reduce negative side effects such as nausea. The formulation could lead to shorter sessions which would make treatment more affordable!

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The results from the world’s biggest psilocybin trial are in!

COMPASS Pathways announces positive topline results from groundbreaking phase IIb trial of investigational COMP360 psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression

COMPASS Pathways’ (CMPS) stock dropped nearly 30% after announcing mixed study findings and Q3 financial results on Monday.

The company conducted a trial on 233 patients to determine the best psilocybin dose for treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

All three groups showed improvements the day after receiving the dose. The group with the largest dose had the best results, with 36.7% of patients showing at least a 50% decrease in depression scores and 29.1% in remission at week 3. A quarter of the patients showed sustained improvements until week 12.

Unfortunately, 12 patients experienced serious adverse events such as suicidal ideation or self harm, but these behaviours are common in patients with TRD.

The company is preparing for a larger trial beginning next year.

COMPASS also announced that it lost $15.8 million or $0.38 per share in Q3, an improvement compared to its $1.30 loss per share in Q3 of last year.

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Why ketamine is so effective at preventing suicide

Ketamine rapidly improves cognitive function, making those in suicidal crisis less likely to harm themselves

Researchers have known for years that ketamine can reduce depression symptoms and suicidal ideation in as little as 24 hours, but a recent study helps us understand why it’s so beneficial.

The study showed that a single dose of ketamine rapidly improved cognitive function, problem-solving abilities, and distorted thinking in suicidal patients.

“Being able to think more clearly can make someone feel less suicidal,” explains Ravi. N. Shah, MD, one of the researchers.

Ketamine was more effective than Midazolam, a benzodiazepine used as a sedative for surgeries. After the dose, suicidal ideation was diminished for up to 6 weeks.

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Ending the PTSD crisis

COMPASS Pathways to launch phase II trial of COMP360 psilocybin therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder

The lack of effective PTSD treatments is “a crisis,” according to the PTSD Psychopharmacology Working Group. About one in 20 people in the UK suffer from PTSD, and current treatment options are ineffective for 40% of these patients.

COMPASS Pathways (CMPS) is launching a phase II trial to see if its psilocybin therapy model for treatment-resistant depression, COMP360, can also bring relief to patients with PTSD.

The trial will assess 20 patients who experienced trauma as adults, who will be given a single dose of the psilocybin formulation followed by 12 weeks of therapy protocols.

Researchers will measure the safety of the drug as will as improvements in PTSD symptoms, functionality, and quality of life.

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atai accelerates schizophrenia research after promising findings

atai Life Sciences Announces Supportive Interim Data from First 8-Patient Cohort of Phase 2a Trial for Novel Treatment of Cognitive Impairment Associated with Schizophrenia

atai Life Sciences (ATAI) developed a new compound that could help treat cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS) such as attention deficits and issues with memory and executive function.

atai Life Sciences (ATAI) developed a new compound that could help treat cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia.

The compound, RL-007, was tested on a cohort of 8 schizophrenic patients while continuing with their antipsychotic treatments. Using brain mapping and other biomarkers, researchers found that formulation improved cognition by activating receptors linked to learning and memory. 

The findings were so promising that atai decided to spend additional resources to accelerate the compound into a Phase 2a trial, which should be completed by the end of the year.

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How your attachment style affects your trip

Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy might help to reduce attachment anxiety

A new study suggests that psilocybin therapy can make patients feel more secure in their relationships!

After undergoing individual therapy, group therapy, and a single psilocybin session, a group of 18 male AIDS survivors showed significantly reduced scores for attachment anxiety – an attachment style characterized by clinginess, fear of abandonment, and difficulty trusting others.

There were no significant changes in attachment avoidance, which is characterized by repressing emotions and discomfort with close relationships.

However, high attachment anxiety scores were associated with a greater chance of mystical experiences, whereas high attachment avoidance scores were linked to grief, fear, physical distress, and paranoia during the trip.

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First-of-its-kind study on severe anxiety

World-first psilocybin clinical trial in the treatment of Generalised Anxiety Disorder receives ethics approval

This Australian university just got the go-ahead to conduct a first-of-its-kind study!

Yesterday, Monash University received ethics approval for a triple-blinded, active-placebo-controlled study that will investigate psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for severe Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Researchers are looking to recruit 72 patients for the study, which will be conducted in partnership with Incannex Healthcare Ltd (IHL).

The therapists facilitating the study will have the option to undergo their own psilocybin session to better understand what the patients will experience.

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A faster treatment for depressed moms

Psychedelic Drug in Early Stages of Development Could Have Potential for Postpartum Depression

Existing treatments for post-partum depression take up to 8 weeks and often separate the mother from her baby for long periods of time, creating even more stress.

Field Trip Health (FTRP) is developing a proprietary psychedelic to change this.

The formulation, FT-104, could be administered in just one day and lasts 2-3 hours shorter than pure psilocybin. The compound leaves the mother’s system in just 24 hours, allowing her to safely breastfeed again.

FT-104 is currently in preclinical evaluation with phase I trials expected to begin in Q1 of next year.

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A better way to get drunk?

Clearmind Signs Development and Supply Agreement to Produce its Drug Candidate MEAI Psychedelic Molecule With Aragen Life Sciences

This psychedelic makes you feel drunk. Could it be used to treat alcoholism?

5-Methoxy-2-aminoindane (MEAI) is a synthetic molecule that simulates the euphoric feeling of alcohol while reducing the desire to drink.

Pre-clinical studies conducted by Clearmind Medicine Inc. (CMND) show promising evidence that MEAI could treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) and binge drinking. Clinical trials expected to begin in the second half of 2022.

The company just signed a development and supply agreement with Aragen Life Sciences to manufacture the molecule.

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Does neuroplasticity benefit healthy people too?

Understanding Neuroplasticity Induced by TrYptamines (UNITY)

Psychedelics clearly have a huge impact on people with mental health issues, but how do they impact people who are already mentally healthy? A new research project at University College London will give us more insights!

After two years of planning, the university is launching the “Understanding Neuroplasticity Induced by Tryptamines” or UNITy Project.

UNITy Project aims to understand how tryptamines (psychedelics that bind to serotonin receptors, such as psilocybin) impact the naturally functioning brain. Researchers will use fMRI scans, eye-tracking, and experience sampling to understand the neurobiological factors that influence cognition and mental health.

The first study will evaluate how DMT affects language processing, sensory processing, and memory, and if neuroplasticity drives the results.