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

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

Largest randomised, controlled, double-blind psilocybin therapy study ever completed shows rapid and sustained response for patients receiving a single dose of COMP360 psilocybin with psychological support

COMPASS management team to host an investor conference call today at 1.00pm UK (8.00am ET)

COMPASS Pathways plc (Nasdaq: CMPS) (“COMPASS”), a mental health care company dedicated to accelerating patient access to evidence-based innovation in mental health, today announced that its groundbreaking phase IIb clinical trial of COMP360 psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression has achieved its primary endpoint for the highest dose, with a 25mg dose of COMP360 demonstrating a highly statistically significant and clinically relevant reduction in depressive symptom severity after three weeks, with a rapid and durable treatment response*.

In the randomised, controlled, double-blind trial, a single dose of investigational COMP360 psilocybin was given to 233 patients in conjunction with psychological support from specially trained therapists. All patients discontinued antidepressants prior to participation. The trial was powered to compare two active doses of COMP360, 25mg and 10mg, against a comparator 1mg dose. The 25mg group vs the 1mg group showed a -6.6 difference on the MADRS* depression scale at week 3 (p<0.001). The 25mg group demonstrated statistical significance on the MADRS efficacy endpoint on the day after the COMP360 psilocybin administration (p=0.002). The 10mg vs 1mg dose did not show a statistically significant difference at week 3. The MADRS was assessed by independent raters who were remote from the trial site, and blind to intervention and study design, effectively creating a triple blind. At least twice the number of patients in the 25mg group showed response and remission* at week 3 and week 12, compared with the 1mg group. The protocol-defined sustained response* up to week 12 was double, with 20.3% of patients in the 25mg group vs 10.1% in the 1mg group. Using a definition of sustained response* that is consistent with other TRD studies, the difference was more than double, with 24.1% of patients in the 25mg group vs 10.1% in the 1mg group. COMP360 was generally well tolerated, with more than 90% of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) being mild or moderate in severity. 179 patients reported at least one TEAE; the most common TEAEs across treatment groups (>10% overall incidence) were headache, nausea, fatigue and insomnia. There were 12 patients who reported treatment-emergent serious adverse events (TESAEs). These TESAEs included suicidal behaviour, intentional self-injury, and suicidal ideation, which are regularly observed in a treatment-resistant depression patient population, and which occurred more frequently in the 25mg group than in the 10mg or 1 mg groups. Overall, 209 patients completed the study; there were five withdrawals from the 25mg group, nine from the 10mg, and 10 from the 1mg.

This randomised, controlled, multicentre, double-blind phase IIb trial is the largest psilocybin therapy clinical trial ever conducted, with 233 patients from 10 countries in North America and Europe. 94% of the patients had no prior experience with psilocybin. The objective of the trial was to find the appropriate dose for a larger, pivotal phase III programme, which COMPASS expects to begin in 2022.

Depression that isn’t helped after two or more adequate antidepressive treatments is referred to as treatment-resistant depression (TRD)1,2. More than 100 million people worldwide are affected by TRD1,2, and as many as 30% of these attempt suicide at least once during their lifetime3,4. The TRD population is by definition more difficult to treat and more likely to relapse than patients with major depressive disorder. In 2018, COMPASS received FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for its COMP360 psilocybin therapy for TRD.

George Goldsmith, CEO and Co-founder, COMPASS Pathways, said: “No one is untouched by the mental health crisis – everyone has a story. We urgently need options for people who are not helped by existing therapies. We set out to explore the safety and efficacy of COMP360 psilocybin therapy in treatment-resistant depression, through a rigorous and large-scale trial, and to find an appropriate dose to take to the next stage. I am delighted that we have succeeded in doing this. We have demonstrated our ability to execute an innovative, multicentre, multinational clinical trial programme – and in the midst of a global pandemic. Our work follows the efforts and achievements of so many researchers before us, and we are grateful to all of them and for the opportunity to work with the mental health care community to transform patient experience and patient outcomes. With our world-leading psychedelic research over the last few years, we have now created a unique and extensive data lake; this provides an unprecedented opportunity to further evaluate and optimise psilocybin therapy for patients suffering with serious mental health illness. With these compelling data, we will urgently progress our clinical development programme and move closer to making this therapy accessible to patients in need, if approved.”

Key findings:

  • COMP360 25mg vs 1mg: a difference of -6.6 points in change from baseline in MADRS total scores at week 3 (p<0.001), with a statistically significant difference seen from day 2 up to week 6
  • COMP360 10mg vs 1mg: a non-statistically significant numerical treatment difference of -2.5 points at week 3 (p=0.184)
  • At least double the number of MADRS responders, remitters, and sustained responders with 25mg vs 1mg; rapid response and remission from day 2 to week 3
    • 36.7% (29 patients) in 25mg group showed response at week 3, compared with 17.7% (14 patients) in 1mg group
    • 29.1% (23 patients) in 25mg group were in remission at week 3, compared with 7.6% (6 patients) in 1mg group
    • 24.1% (19 patients) in 25mg group were sustained responders at week 12, compared with 10.1% (8 patients) in 1mg group
  • COMP360 was generally well tolerated, with more than 90% of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) mild or moderate in severity
  • Treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) incidence
    • 5% (66 patients) in 25mg group
    • 7% (56 patients) in 10 mg group
    • 2% (57 patients) in 1 mg group
  • Treatment-emergency serious adverse event (TESAE) incidence
    • 3% (5 patients) in 25mg group
    • 0% (6 patients) in 10 mg group
    • 3% (1 patient) in 1mg group

David J Hellerstein MD, a Principal Investigator on the trial and Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, said: “Treatment-resistant depression is a common and devastating condition, affecting tens of millions of people, with few effective treatments. This is the largest modern study of a psychedelic drug, combined with psychological support, enrolling over 200 people with TRD. In this groundbreaking study, a single dose of psilocybin, given in conjunction with psychological support, generated a rapid response that lasted up to 12 weeks. Remission rates appear to be higher than seen in traditional medication studies. We now have evidence from a large well-designed trial that psilocybin may be effective for people with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. These findings suggest that COMP360 psilocybin therapy could play a major role in psychiatric care, if approved.”

Michael Pollock, CEO at the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), said: “Many people suffering with severe forms of depression find that existing treatments don’t work for them. We support any attempt to investigate alternative therapies. The approach of cycling through drugs that aren’t working is inadequate for anyone who is living with a mental health condition and disheartening for the family members and healthcare professionals who care for them. The results seen from this study are an early indicator of hope for those who are desperately in need of help.”

Robin Carhart-Harris PhD, Director of the Psychedelics Division at the Weill Institute for Neurosciences at the University of California San Francisco, and Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professor of Neurology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, said: “This is an important and exciting moment for the mental health care community. It builds upon more than two decades of research into the viability of psychedelic compounds to treat mental health conditions and demonstrates the potential it has in helping people living with treatment-resistant depression. It’s encouraging to see how far this field has progressed in the last 20 years and I look forward to further research.”

In addition to this topline data, COMPASS is conducting comprehensive secondary analyses which are expected to further inform the clinical development programme for COMP360 psilocybin therapy. In the meantime, this promising topline data will be shared in an expeditious manner with regulators as part of an ongoing dialogue.

Conference call

The COMPASS management team will host a conference call at 1:00pm UK (8.00am ET) on 9 November. The call can be accessed by dialing (833) 665-0659 from the United States, +1 (914) 987-7313 internationally, and 0800 028 8438 from the UK, followed by the conference ID: 34908054.

The call will also be webcast on the Investors section of the COMPASS Pathways website. The webcast will be archived for 30 days.

About treatment-resistant depression (TRD)

More than 320 million people globally suffer with major depressive disorder (MDD)5, the leading cause of disability worldwide and one of the fastest growing mental health illnesses6. About a third of these patients – 100 million people – aren’t helped by existing therapies and suffer with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)7. TRD carries two to three times the medical costs of a non-TRD MDD patient, and patients with TRD have a higher all-cause mortality compared with non-TRD MDD patients8.

About the COMP360 psilocybin therapy phase IIb study

The phase IIb study was a dose-finding study, assessing the safety and efficacy of COMP360 psilocybin therapy at three doses: 1mg, 10mg, 25mg. A total of 233 patients enrolled in the study and were randomised and blinded into three arms comprising 79 patients for each of the 25mg and 1mg doses, and 75 patients for the 10mg dose. Patients were followed up for 12 weeks. The trial used the Montgomery-Åsberg depression rating scale (MADRS), a widely used and accepted scale for assessing depression; assessments were made by an independent, blinded rater. The primary endpoint is the change in the MADRS total score from baseline to week 3.

About COMPASS Pathways

COMPASS Pathways plc (Nasdaq: CMPS) is a mental health care company dedicated to accelerating patient access to evidence-based innovation in mental health. Our focus is on improving the lives of those who are suffering with mental health challenges and who are not helped by current treatments. We are pioneering the development of a new model of psilocybin therapy, in which our proprietary formulation of synthetic psilocybin, COMP360, is administered in conjunction with psychological support. COMP360 has been designated a Breakthrough Therapy by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and we have completed a phase IIb clinical trial of psilocybin therapy for TRD, in 22 sites across Europe and North America. We are headquartered in London, UK, with offices in New York and San Francisco in the US. Our vision is a world of mental wellbeing. www.compasspathways.com

Availability of other information about COMPASS Pathways

Investors and others should note that we communicate with our investors and the public using our website (www.compasspathways.com), our investor relations website (ir.compasspathways.com), and on social media (LinkedIn), including but not limited to investor presentations and investor fact sheets, US Securities and Exchange Commission filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. The information that we post on these channels and websites could be deemed to be material information. As a result, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in us to review the information that is posted on these channels, including the investor relations website, on a regular basis. This list of channels may be updated from time to time on our investor relations website and may include additional social media channels. The contents of our website or these channels, or any other website that may be accessed from our website or these channels, shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may”, “might”, “will”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “objective”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “contemplate”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue” and “ongoing,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements include express or implied statements relating to, among other things, the safety or efficacy of COMP360 psilocybin therapy as a treatment for depression, COMPASS’s expectations for the timing of its pivotal phase III programme and the potential for that or other trials to support regulatory filings and approvals, COMPASS’s business strategy and goals, the future accessibility of COMP360 psilocybin therapy, COMPASS’s ability to continue to advance its research, including COMP360, COMPASS’s expectations regarding the benefits of its psilocybin therapy, including COMP360 and COMPASS’s ability to advance new psychedelic compounds in other areas of unmet mental health need. The forward-looking statements in this press release are neither promises nor guarantees, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond COMPASS’s control and which could cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, among others: preclinical research and clinical development is lengthy and uncertain, and therefore our preclinical studies and clinical trials may be delayed or terminated, or may never advance to or in the clinic; and those risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” in COMPASS’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on 9 March 2021 and in subsequent filings made by COMPASS with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Except as required by law, COMPASS disclaims any intention or responsibility for updating or revising any forward-looking statements contained in this press release in the event of new information, future developments or otherwise. These forward-looking statements are based on COMPASS’s current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof.

Enquiries

Media: Tracy Cheung, tracy@compasspathways.com, +44 7966 309024
Investors: Stephen Schultz, stephen.schultz@compasspathways.com, +1 401 290 7324

 

 

 

*Notes: MADRS = Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale; response = ≥50% decrease in MADRS total score from baseline; remission = MADRS total score ≤10; protocol-defined sustained response = patients meeting the MADRS response criteria from week 3 until week 12; sustained response = patients meeting the MADRS response criteria at week 3 and at week 12, and at least at one visit out of week 6 and week 9

  1. WHO (2017). Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders Global Health Estimates [Online]. Available at: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/254610/WHO-MSD-MER-2017.2-eng.pdf
  2. Al-Harbi KS. Treatment-resistant depression: therapeutic trends, challenges, and future directions. Patient Preference and Adherence. 2012; 6: 369–388
  3. Bergfeld IO, Mantione M, Figee M, Schuurman PR, Lok A, Denys D. Treatment-resistant depression and suicidality. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2018;235:362-367
  4. Dong M, Lu L, Zhang L, et al. Prevalence of suicide attempts in bipolar disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences. 2020;29:e63
  5. WHO (2017). Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders Global Health Estimates [Online]. Available at: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/254610/WHO-MSD-MER-2017.2-eng.pdf [Accessed 21 October 2021]
  6. WHO (2012). Depression: A Global Crisis [Online]. Available at: https://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/wfmh_paper_depression_wmhd_2012.pdf [Accessed 21 October 2021]
  7. Al-Harbi KS. Treatment-resistant depression: therapeutic trends, challenges, and future directions. Patient Preference and Adherence. 2012; 6: 369–388.
  8. Gang L, Fife D, Wong G, Sheehan JJ, et al. All-cause mortality in patients with treatment-resistant depression: a cohort study in the US population. Annuals of General Psychiatry. 2019; 18:23
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Blackhawk Growth’s MindBio Therapeutics Completes Safety Milestone In Its Phase 1 Clinical Trials

Blackhawk Growth’s MindBio Therapeutics Completes Safety Milestone In Its Phase 1 Clinical Trials

Vancouver, British Columbia – TheNewswire – November 08, 2021 – Blackhawk Growth Corp. (CNSX:BLR.CN) (OTC:BLRZF) (Frankfurt:0JJ) (the “Corporation” or “Blackhawk”), is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, MindBio Therapeutics Pty Ltd (“MindBio”), has received feedback from the trial’s independent Data and Safety Monitoring Committee that the Phase 1 clinical trial is approved to continue after a successful six month safety review.

MindBio is a multi-disciplinary company pioneering new treatments for mental health conditions using psychedelic medicines, technology assisted mental health interventions and psychedelic assisted psychotherapies.

MindBio is currently undertaking the world’s first clinical trial of its kind microdosing LSD to 80 healthy participants who take the drug at home in the same way that they would take any other medication. MindBio is also targeting Major Depressive Disorder and distress in late-stage cancer patients in its Phase 2 trials which are currently in development and will follow next year.

The approval to continue Phase 1 clinical trials microdosing LSD after the independent safety review is a positive milestone achieved with more than 50% of the participants having now completed the trial.

“We are very pleased to report these safety outcomes in our clinical trials,” said Frederick Pels, CEO of Blackhawk Growth Corp. “These results showcase the caliber of work we are doing, targeting more effective medical treatments for mental health conditions. Throughout these trials, MindBio is solidifying its position as a market leader in the psychedelic research sector. We look forward to updating shareholders with further developments in the near future.”

 

About Blackhawk Growth

Blackhawk is an investment holding company looking to create substantial value for its shareholders through the acquisition and development of high growth companies. It has focused its investments in the health, cannabis and cannabidiol industries in both Canada and the United States. Its portfolio of companies includes Sac Pharma, LeichtMind Clinics, Noble Hemp, Spaced Food, NuWave Foods, and MindBio Therapeutics. Blackhawk continues to bring its investments to cash flow and is growing at an exceeding pace.

The Company diligently posts updates through videos from the official company YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs4f2tt3yAvOGhNLjgNOy-A

Please join the conversation on our Blackhawk group supporter’s telegram group at https://t.me/Blackhawkgrowthcorp and visit us online at https://www.blackhawkgrowth.com.

For further information please contact:

Frederick Pels, Chief Executive Officer

(403)-991-7737

fred@blackhawkgrowth.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statement

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are “forward-looking information” with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including with respect to transaction and future operations of MindBio Therapeutics Pty Ltd. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited those identified and reported in the Company’s public filings under the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

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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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Tryp Therapeutics Submits IND Application for Phase 2a Clinical Trial in Fibromyalgia

Tryp Therapeutics Submits IND Application for Phase 2a Clinical Trial in Fibromyalgia

San Diego, California–(Newsfile Corp. – November 2, 2021) – Tryp Therapeutics (CSE: TRYP) (OTCQB: TRYPF) (“Tryp” or the “Company“), a pharmaceutical company focused on developing psilocybin-based compounds for diseases with unmet medical needs, announced today that it has submitted an Investigational New Drug (“IND“) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA“) to evaluate its clinical candidate, TRP-8802, in a Phase 2a clinical trial that investigates safety and preliminary effectiveness of psilocybin-assisted therapy among patients with fibromyalgia in collaboration with the University of Michigan.

The trial is being conducted with Kevin Boehnke, Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and will evaluate the Company’s oral formulation of synthetic psilocybin, TRP-8802, in combination with psychotherapy. The application includes details regarding the trial protocol and safety information. Tryp expects to initiate the Phase 2a study in 2022 subject to a favorable review of the IND by the FDA.

“Many fibromyalgia patients find insufficient relief from the currently available, FDA-approved treatments for the disease due to their limited efficacy and significant side effects,” commented Dr. Boehnke. “We have an opportunity with Tryp to conduct a Phase 2a study that evaluates the safety and clinical utility of psilocybin for fibromyalgia as we target the origins of the disease rather than simply treating patient symptoms.”

The Phase 2a open label clinical trial is expected to enroll 20 fibromyalgia patients and includes a variety of exploratory endpoints given the high prevalence of co-morbidities such as poor sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and other conditions. The administration of psilocybin is expected to increase neuroplasticity and to address disrupted neural connections that are typical of fibromyalgia and other nociplastic pain indications. Patients will meet with psychotherapists before, during, and after the dosing of TRP-8802.

“We have been working diligently to complete this IND submission and are eager to initiate what will be one of the first evaluations of psilocybin to treat fibromyalgia in a Phase 2 study,” said Greg McKee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tryp. “Through our close collaboration with Dr. Boehnke and other experts in the space, we have an appreciation of the limitations of current treatments for this disease and a determination to develop a more effective therapy for the millions of patients suffering from fibromyalgia.”

About Tryp Therapeutics

Tryp Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical company focused on developing psilocybin-based compounds for the treatment of diseases with unmet medical needs through accelerated regulatory pathways. Tryp’s Psilocybin-For-Neuropsychiatric Disorders (PFN™) program is focused on the development of synthetic psilocybin as a new class of drug for the treatment of chronic pain and other indications. The Company has announced upcoming Phase 2a clinical trials with the University of Michigan and the University of Florida to evaluate its drug products for fibromyalgia and overeating disorders, respectively. Tryp is also developing a proprietary psilocybin-based product, TRP-8803, that uses a novel formulation and route of administration to improve the patient experience. For more information, please visit www.tryptherapeutics.com.

Investor Relations:
Joseph Green
Edison Group
investors@tryptherapeutics.com

Media Relations:
Abby Berger
KCSA Strategic Communications
TRYP@KCSA.com

Forward-Looking Information

Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking information. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans,” “targets,” “expects” or “does not expect,” “is expected,” “an opportunity exists,” “is positioned,” “estimates,” “intends,” “assumes,” “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes,” or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “might,” “will” or “will be taken,” “occur” or “be achieved.” In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Tryp as of the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to the factors described in greater detail in the “Risk Factors” section of Tryp’s final prospectus available at www.sedar.com. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Tryp; however, these factors should be considered carefully. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and Tryp expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements containing any forward-looking information, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED OR ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

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Braxia Scientific Graduates First Cohort of Medical Professionals From Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Training Program; Ready to Start Health Canada Approved Psilocybin Clinical Trial

Braxia Scientific Graduates First Cohort of Medical Professionals From Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Training Program; Ready to Start Health Canada Approved Psilocybin Clinical Trial

TORONTO, ONTARIO November 2, 2021 – Braxia Scientific Corp. (“Braxia”, or the “Company”), (CSE: BRAX) (OTC: BRAXF) (FWB: 496), a medical research company with clinics providing innovative ketamine treatments for persons with depression and related disorders, is excited to announce the completion of the training program for psilocybin-assisted clinical therapy by its first multi-disciplinary cohort of 20 qualified therapists from diverse psychiatry and psychotherapy backgrounds.

This program was implemented by the Braxia Institute, the Company’s training centre focused on advancing psychiatric clinical practice and health services of ketamine and psychedelic treatment therapy. Through this program, the Company is able to develop, train, and support qualified, independent medical physicians, psychologists and psychotherapists skilled in best practices to implement safe and effective psilocybin-assisted therapy for patients with depression.

Trainees experienced and learned, through pre-readings, didactic teaching, peer teaching, group discussion and simulations, which provided important background on the use of psilocybin for treating depression and practical considerations for providing psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. All the enrolled therapists were also required to complete a practicum component, in which medical professionals gained experience in administering psilocybin-assisted therapy for participants with depression as part of an upcoming Health Canada-approved clinical trial.

“Braxia Scientific would like to extend congratulations to this pioneering group graduating our training program,” said Dr. Roger McIntyre, CEO of Braxia Scientific.

“Psilocybin-assisted therapy is a rapidly growing and evolving area of interest for medical professionals, clinicians and patients with multiple mental health conditions, including treatment-resistant depression. Combining the effects of psilocybin with the support of psychotherapy from a qualified and trusted therapist allows a patient to process the psilocybin experience with the therapist, providing the basis for a better treatment outcome.”

Participants in the Braxia Institute training program came from diverse therapy backgrounds, allowing them to leverage their various areas of expertise to co-create guidelines and best practices. This co-creation is also a parallel process with the therapy itself, as (i) psilocybin-assisted therapy relies on a personal journey with minimal top-down direction from the therapist, and (ii) structured therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), provide more explicit direction and transfer of skills and knowledge from the therapist to the patient.

Through this program, the therapists will be fully competent to perform psilocybin-assisted therapy in upcoming clinical trials conducted by Braxia Scientific and its subsidiaries, evaluating the safety and efficacy of psilocybin in depression. The Company anticipates that, pending regulatory approval of psilocybin, therapists would also be trained to implement psychedelics in clinical practice.

“As mental health professionals, we continually strive to deliver innovative treatment options that will result in better outcomes in persons affected by depression and related disorders,” said Dr. McIntyre.

“We are encouraged to see the growing number of clinical studies focused on demonstrating that psilocybin, and potentially other psychedelics, may be safe and effective in treating people with mental health conditions, and we are focused on providing healthcare professionals with the training, competencies and practical experience to address the need for safe, legal and affordable access to high-quality psilocybin-assisted therapy as regulatory approval is sought for these innovative treatments.”

About Braxia Scientific Corp.
Braxia Scientific is a medical research company with clinics that provide innovative ketamine treatments for persons with depression and related disorders. Through its medical solutions, Braxia aims to reduce the illness burden of brain-based mental disorders such as major depressive disorder among others. Braxia is primarily focused on (i) owning and operating multidisciplinary clinics, providing treatment for mental health disorders, and (ii) research activities related to discovering and commercializing novel drugs and delivery methods. Braxia seeks to develop ketamine and derivatives and other psychedelic products from its IP development platform. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, the Canadian Rapid Treatment Center of Excellence Inc., Braxia currently operates multidisciplinary community-based clinics offering rapid-acting treatments for depression located in Mississauga, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

“Dr. Roger S. McIntyre”
Dr. Roger S. McIntyre
Chairman & CEO

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Braxia Scientific Corp.
Tel: 416-762-2138
Email: info@braxiascientific.com
Website: www.braxiascientific.com

 

The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release.

 

Forward-looking Information Cautionary Statement
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations, or beliefs of future performance are “forward-looking statements.”

Forward-looking statements include statements about the intended promise of ketamine-based treatments for depression and the potential for ketamine to treat other emerging psychiatric disorders, such as Bipolar Depression. Such forward- looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events, or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the failure of ketamine, psilocybin and other psychedelics to provide the expected health benefits and unanticipated side effects, dependence on obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals, including acquiring and renewing federal, provincial, municipal, local or other licenses and engaging in activities that could be later determined to be illegal under domestic or international laws. Ketamine and psilocybin are currently Schedule I and Schedule III controlled substances, respectively, under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, S.C. 1996, c. 19 (the “CDSA”) and it is a criminal offence to possess such substances under the CDSA without a prescription or a legal exemption. Health Canada has not approved psilocybin as a drug for any indication, however ketamine is a legally permissible medication for the treatment of certain psychological conditions. It is illegal to possess such substances in Canada without a prescription.

These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company’s filings with Canadian securities regulators, including the Amended and Restated Listing Statement dated April 15, 2021, which are available at www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements.

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Tripping on an island to help frontline workers

Cybin Announces Launch of EMBARK Psychedelic Facilitator Training Program

Cybin (CYBN) is sending therapists on a psychedelic retreat so they can learn how to provide support to frontline healthcare workers.

Clinical trial facilitators will head to a small island in Washington to be trained on Cybin’s new EMBARK therapy model and gain experiential knowledge of psychedelics. The EMBARK model combines aspects of several psychotherapy models and incorporates patients’ spiritual experiences, bodily experiences, and relationships into the healing process.

The retreat will prepare the facilitators for an upcoming clinical trial at the University of Washington that aims to treat healthcare workers suffering from COVID-related distress, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

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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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Researching ADHD treatments in Korea

Agtech and KRTL Biotech Join Forces to Develop and Distribute Unique CBD and Psilocybin Products

These companies are joining forces to develop unique treatments for a range of debilitating conditions.

Agtech Global International Inc. (AGGL) and  KRTL Biotech Inc. are partnering to develop CBD and psilocybin-based medicines to treat conditions like ADHD, pain from cancer, autism, PTSD,  depression, and addiction.

The agreement will leverage KRTL’s team of researchers in the US and Korea, where they have already received the Korean equivalent of FDA approval to study the compounds.

Several other companies are supporting the research project including Here To Serve Holding Corp. (HTSC) and Pervasip Corp. (PVSP).

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DMT receives innovative medicine designation

Small Pharma granted fast-track designation from UK regulator for DMT-assisted therapy for Major Depressive Disorder

DMT-assisted therapy could be approved in the UK sooner than expected!

Yesterday, Small Pharma (DMT) received an Innovation Passport Designation for its DMT-assisted therapy program for depression – a status given to promising medicines to expedite development. The passport gives the company access to the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP) to reduce time to market and facilitate patient access to the treatment.

The designation is essentially the UK’s version of a Breakthrough Therapy Designation, which the FDA granted to Compass Pathways (CMPS) and Usona Institute in 2018 and 2019, respectively, for their psilocybin-assisted therapy programs.

Small Pharma also launched a Phase 2a clinical trial for DMT-assisted therapy on Tuesday and began trading on the OTCQB market on Wednesday under the symbol “DMTTF”.

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Group therapy cures depression in half of cancer patients!

Open-label study of COMP360 psilocybin therapy for depression in cancer patients demonstrates feasibility of simultaneous psilocybin administration in small groups

On Tuesday, Compass Pathways (CMPS) received a US patent for COMP360, its proprietary formulation of crystalline psilocybin. On Wednesday, the company announced positive findings from an open-label study using the formulation to treat depression in cancer patients.

Thirty patients were administered COMP360 in group therapy sessions of two to four people. Twenty four people experienced at least a 50% reduction in depression symptoms within three weeks of treatment, which was sustained at week eight, and fifteen people were in total remission from depression. The average depression score dropped from 25.9 to just 6.8.

The company notes that the study was not blinded or placebo-controlled, so the findings are subject to expectancy bias, but the results show promise that both COMP360 and group therapy models are effective.

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