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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
Neuroscience News Logo

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Introducing Houston, your new microdosing companion

Houston is an app that helps you set intentions, track doses and moods, dose with community, and more, on your journey through inner space.

“Took a dive into Houston just now and WOW, absolutely phenomenal. User friendly, knocks out everything I journal while I’m microdosing, love intention section and the playlists. Wow. I am beyond elated you found me,” says one user.

Download Houston on the App Store and follow their Instagram to see when they launch on Android.

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BetterLife Lead Drug (BETR-001) Promotes Structural Neural Plasticity in Preclinical Model

BetterLife Lead Drug (BETR-001) Promotes Structural Neural Plasticity in Preclinical Model

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 15, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BetterLife Pharma Inc. (“BetterLife” or the “Company”) (CSE: BETR / OTCQB: BETRF / FRA: NPAU), an emerging biotech company focused on the development and commercialization of 2nd generation non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analogs for the treatment of neuropsychological disorders, is pleased to announce it has obtained positive results from a preclinical neural plasticity study of BETR-001 in cortical rat neurons, as part of its collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Argel Aguilar-Valles at Carleton University’s (Carleton) Department of Neuroscience (https://carleton.ca/neuroscience/profile/argel-aguilar-valles/). BETR-001 (2-bromo-LSD, formerly TD-0148A) is a non-hallucinogenic derivative of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).

Atrophy of neurons in the brain plays a critical role in pathophysiology of depression and related disorders. Increased structural plasticity in the brain neurons (mainly prefrontal cortex) has been linked to the sustained antidepressant effects of ketamine and other psychedelic compounds. BetterLife had previously shown the anti-depressant properties of BETR-001 in a rodent chronic variable stress model. The current study demonstrates that treatment of rat embryonic cortical neurons with BETR-001 increases the structural complexity of neurons (dendrite growth and complexity) and therefore, provides evidence of neural plasticity activity of BETR-001. In certain measurements of structural plasticity in neurons, BETR-001 performs better than ketamine in this model.

“We are very pleased with these preclinical results as they confirm that BETR-001, an LSD analog, retained the anti-depressant and neural plasticity activity of LSD but without causing hallucination. This is the first evidence that BETR-001 can promote structural plasticity in the prefrontal cortex neurons and gives us confidence on its therapeutic potential in depression and related disorders,” stated BetterLife’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ahmad Doroudian.

Dr. Argel Aguilar-Valles commented, “We are pleased to collaborate with the BetterLife team in demonstrating for the first time the ability of 2-bromo-LSD (BETR-001) to promote neural plasticity. LSD and other psychedelic drugs have been shown to have anti-depressant effects, and non-hallucinogenic derivatives of these drugs such as BETR-001 represent a promising alternative.”

About BetterLife Pharma

BetterLife Pharma Inc. is an emerging biotechnology company primarily focused on developing and commercializing two compounds, BETR-001 and BETR-002, to treat neuro-psychiatric and neurological disorders.

BETR-001 (formerly TD-0148A), which is in preclinical and IND-enabling studies, is a non-hallucinogenic and non-controlled LSD derivative in development and it is unique in that it is unregulated and therefore, can be self-administered. BetterLife’s synthesis patent for BETR-001 eliminates regulatory hurdles and its pending patent for composition and method of use covers treatment of depression, cluster headaches, post-traumatic stress disorder and other neuro-psychiatric and neurological disorders.

BETR-002 (formerly TD-010), which is in preclinical and IND-enabling studies, is based on honokiol, the active anxiolytic ingredient of magnolia bark. BetterLife’s pending method of use and formulations patent covers treatment of anxiety related disorders including benzodiazepine dependency.

BetterLife also owns a drug candidate for the treatment of viral infections such as COVID-19 and is in the process of seeking strategic alternatives for further development.

For further information, please visit BetterLife Pharma.

About the Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University

Carleton Neuroscience has an international reputation for research on stress and its effects on brain functioning and mental health. The department has an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the emergence, prevention and treatment of mental and physical disorders.

For more information, please visit www.carleton.ca/neuroscience.

Contact Information

David Melles, Investor Relations Manager
Email: David.Melles@blifepharma.com
Phone: 1-778-887-1928

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

No securities exchange has reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, licensing, commercialization and regulatory compliance issues and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “expects” and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include the failure to satisfy the conditions of the relevant securities exchange(s) and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.

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Mindset Pharma Aims to Treat Broader Addressable Neurology Market by Studying Cognitive Benefits of its “Microdosing” Compounds

Mindset Pharma Aims to Treat Broader Addressable Neurology Market by Studying Cognitive Benefits of its “Microdosing” Compounds

– Mindset’s Family 3 of next-generation psilocybin compounds have demonstrated low levels of activity at the 5-HT2A receptor and long half lives

– Advancing compounds into additional Proof of Concept preclinical studies to measure daily take-home viability

TORONTO, Feb. 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mindset Pharma Inc. (CSE: MSET) (FSE: 9DF) (OTCQB: MSSTF) (“Mindset” or the “Company”), a drug discovery and development company focused on creating optimized and patentable next-generation psychedelic medicines to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders with unmet medical needs, today announced that it has synthesized additional promising candidates from its Family 3 of next generation drug candidates, and will initiate Proof of Concept preclinical studies to further measure the viability of these compounds as daily pro-cognitive take-home medication.

“Our scientists designed and developed a unique class of novel and patentable compounds, our ‘Family 3,’ which have shown promise as a substitute for microdosing approaches due to their low activity at the 5-HT2A receptor. This validates our decision to study the efficacy of these compounds further for pro-cognitive indications associated with neurological and mental health disorders,” said James Lanthier, CEO of Mindset. “If we can demonstrate pro-cognitive benefits at a range of sub-hallucinogenic doses, our compounds have the potential to dramatically broaden the addressable neurology and mental health market we are pursuing while avoiding the hallucinogenic liability associated with traditional approaches. Providing pro-cognitive solutions that do not elicit a psychedelic effect will suit vulnerable patient populations such as juvenile ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, and a range of others.”

To better understand potential pro-cognitive benefits across a range of sub-hallucinogenic doses, Mindset will initiate a series of in vivo Proof of Concept studies, which will measure motivation and attention. These studies will be critical in establishing the clinical viability of Mindset’s family 3 drug candidates.

Mindset recently announced a first-of-its-kind co-development agreement with the McQuade Center of Strategic Research and Development, a member of the Otsuka Pharmaceuticals family of companies, which fully funds and advances the development of Mindset’s Family 2 & Family 4. Family 3 compounds are potential opportunities for Mindset to partner with other groups to progress its most promising candidates from this family to the clinic.

To watch a video of Mindset’s CEO discussing the announcement in greater detail, please visit: https://youtu.be/4gg0QKfwmrI.

For more information, please contact:

Investor Contact:
Allison Soss/Tim Regan
KCSA Strategic Communications
Email: MindSet@kcsa.com
Phone: 212-896-1267/ 347-487-6788

Company Contact:
James Lanthier, CEO
Email: jlanthier@mindsetpharma.com

Jason Atkinson, VP, Corporate Development
Email: jatkinson@mindsetpharma.com
Phone: 416-479-4094

About Mindset Pharma Inc.
Mindset Pharma Inc. is a drug discovery and development company focused on creating optimized and patentable next-generation psychedelic medicines to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders with unmet needs. Mindset was established in order to develop next generation pharmaceutical assets that leverage the breakthrough therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs. Mindset is developing several novel families of next generation psychedelic compounds, as well as an innovative process to chemically synthesize psilocybin as well as its own proprietary compounds.

For further information on Mindset, please visit our website at www.mindsetpharma.com.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “potential”, “proposed” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Additional information regarding risks and uncertainties relating to the Company’s business are contained under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual information form for the financial year ended June 30, 2020 dated March 5, 2021. The forward-looking information included in this news release is made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

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

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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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Nova Mentis and KGK Science Form Tactical Partnership

Nova Mentis and KGK Science Form Tactical Partnership

The Companies Plan to Jointly Submit a Psilocybin Clinical Trial Application to Health Canada

Vancouver, British Columbia – January 27, 2022 – Nova Mentis Life Science Corp. (CSE: NOVA) (FSE: HN3Q) (OTCQB: NMLSF) (“NOVA” or the “Company”), a biotechnology company and global leader in first-in-class psilocybin-based therapeutics and complementary diagnostics for neuroinflammatory disorders is proud to announce that the Company has formed a tactical partnership with KGK Science Inc. (“KGK”), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wellbeing Digital Sciences Inc. (NEO: MEDI), to develop its psychedelic psilocybin drug portfolio in Canada. KGK is a leading North American contract research organization based in London, Ontario that primarily provides high-quality clinical research trials with a focus on the nutraceutical, cannabis and emerging psychedelic industries. Both Companies plan to jointly submit a clinical trial application (“CTA”) to Health Canada for a Phase 2A clinical study evaluating psilocybin microdose therapy for fragile X syndrome.

“NOVA and KGK have synergistic capabilities that will facilitate submission of the CTA to Health Canada and achieve, in my opinion, no objection to this unprecedented clinical study,” stated Dr. Marvin S. Hausman MD, Chairman of NOVA’s Scientific Advisory Board. “In our discussions with KGK, we realized early on that our two teams had the ability to navigate the entire lifecycle journey of our novel psilocybin microdose treatment of fragile X syndrome from a Phase 2A clinical study to drug approval and commercialization.”

“I am delighted to work with NOVA’s team to advance this novel initiative. NOVA’s microdose approach aims to address an unmet need that promises to have a significant impact on the lives of families impacted by fragile X syndrome. KGK is proud to be able to contribute and is confident our expertise will guide NOVA to success through the orphan drug pathway,” said Najla Guthrie, President and CEO of KGK.

NOVA’s research and clinical team initially identified unique opportunities in psychedelic drug development and chose a classic drug development pathway involving careful planning and execution of chemistry, manufacturing and preclinical proof of efficacy studies. The Company’s successes to date include but are not limited to:

  • NOVA is the first biotech company to achieve psilocybin orphan drug designation in both the United States and European Union;
  • Manufactured a large supply of >98% pure psilocybin for clinical studies and commercialization after drug approval;
  • Proof of efficacy and safety in preclinical rat models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and fragile X syndrome (FXS); 4 studies completed;
  • Established psilocybin microdose levels to treat FXS; and
  • Preparing Phase 2 chemistry and manufacturing file for regulatory submission.

KGK’s expertise includes:

  • Regulatory submission expertise;
  • Manage Investigational New Drug (“IND”) enabling activities;
  • Clinical trial design and trial execution;
  • Established clinical sites; and
  • In-house virtual behavioural testing models.

About KGK Science

Founded in 1997, KGK is a leading North American contract research organization based in London, Ontario that primarily provides high-quality clinical research trials with a focus on the nutraceutical, cannabis and emerging psychedelic industries. The business has successfully helped hundreds of companies with custom-designed clinical trials and claim substantiation strategies to move products into global markets. KGK’s other existing service lines include expert regulatory support and compliance solutions, participant recruitment, research support services and consulting services. On an approximate basis, the business to date has produced 150 publications, executed over 400 clinical trials across more than 40 indications, amassed 25,000 participants in its database and collected 10 million data points.

About Wellbeing Digital Sciences

Wellbeing Digital Sciences Inc. (formerly KetamineOne Capital Limited) is an evidence-based healthcare company focused on innovative clinical solutions, artificial intelligence-powered digital therapeutics and contract research. Its mission is supported by a network of North American clinics that provide ketamine-assisted therapies and other types of treatment to patients as well as through a contract research organization that offer clinical trials services to clients pursuing drug development. In essence, the company exists to make breakthrough treatments more accessible and to offer patients transformational experiences.

About Nova Mentis Life Science Corp.

Nova Mentis Life Science Corp. is a Canadian-based biotechnology company and global leader in developing diagnostics and psilocybin-based therapeutics for neuroinflammatory disorders. Nova is the first biotech company to achieve psilocybin orphan drug designation in both the United States and European Union.

The goal is to diagnose and treat debilitating chronic conditions that have unmet medical needs, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS).

For further information on the Company, please visit www.novamentis.ca or email info@novamentis.ca.

On Behalf of the Board

Will Rascan, President & CEO
Nova Mentis Life Science Corp.

Phone: 778-819-0244
Toll Free: 1-833-542-5323

Twitter: @novamentislsc

Instagram: @novamentislsc

Facebook: @novamentislsc

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Nova Mentis Life Science’s actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will,” “would,” “may,” “could” or “should” occur.

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Wellbeing Digital Sciences’ Subsidiary KGK Science Forms Tactical Partnership with Nova Mentis

Wellbeing Digital Sciences’ Subsidiary KGK Science Forms Tactical Partnership with Nova Mentis

The Companies Plan to Jointly Submit a Psilocybin Clinical Trial Application  to Health Canada  

Vancouver, British Columbia, January 27, 2022 / Globe Newswire / – KetamineOne Capital  Limited (“Ketamine One” or the “Company”) (NEO: MEDI) (OTC: KONEF) (Frankfurt:  MY0), an evidence-based healthcare company focused on innovative clinical solutions, artificial  intelligence-powered digital therapeutics and contract research, is pleased to announce that its  wholly owned subsidiary, KGK Science Inc., (“KGK”), has formed a tactical partnership with  Nova Mentis Life Science Corp. (“Nova”) (CSE: NOVA) (FSE: HN3Q) (OTCQB: NMLSF) to  help develop Nova’s psychedelic psilocybin drug portfolio in Canada. Nova is a biotechnology  company and global leader in first-in-class psilocybin-based therapeutics and complementary  diagnostics for neuroinflammatory disorders. Both Companies plan to jointly submit a clinical trial  application (“CTA”) to Health Canada for a Phase 2A clinical study evaluating psilocybin  microdose therapy for fragile X syndrome.  

“I am delighted to work with Nova’s team to advance this novel initiative. Nova’s microdose  approach aims to address an unmet need that promises to have a significant impact on the lives of  families impacted by Fragile X Syndrome. KGK is proud to be able to contribute and is confident  our expertise will guide Nova to success through the Orphan drug pathway,” said Najla Guthrie,  President and CEO of KGK.  

“Nova and KGK have synergistic capabilities that will facilitate submission of the CTA to Health  Canada and achieve, in my opinion, no objection to this unprecedented clinical study,” stated  Marvin S. Hausman MD, Nova SAB Chairman. “In our discussions with KGK, we realized early  on that our two teams had the ability to navigate the entire lifecycle journey of our novel psilocybin  microdose treatment of Fragile X Syndrome from a Phase 2A clinical study to drug approval and  commercialization.”  

Nova’s research and clinical team initially identified unique opportunities in psychedelic drug  development and chose a classic drug development pathway involving careful planning and  execution of chemistry, manufacturing and preclinical proof of efficacy studies. The Company’s  successes to date include but are not limited to: 

 Nova is the first biotech company to achieve psilocybin orphan drug designation in both  the United States and European Union;  

 Manufactured a large supply of >98% pure psilocybin for clinical studies and  commercialization after drug approval;  

 Proof of efficacy and safety in preclinical rat models of Autism Spectrum Disorder and  FXS with 4 studies completed;  

 Established psilocybin microdose levels to treat FXS; and  

 Preparing Phase 2 chemistry and manufacturing file for regulatory submission.  

KGK’s expertise includes:  

 Regulatory submission expertise;  

 Manage Investigational New Drug enabling activities;  

 Clinical trial design and trial execution;  

 Established clinical sites; and  

 In-house virtual behavioral testing models.  

ABOUT NOVA MENTIS LIFE SCIENCE CORP.  

Nova Mentis Life Science Corp. is a Canadian-based biotechnology company and global leader in  developing diagnostics and psilocybin-based therapeutics for neuroinflammatory disorders. Nova  is the first biotech company to achieve psilocybin orphan drug designation in both the United  States and European Union. The goal is to diagnose and treat debilitating chronic conditions that  have unmet medical needs, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Fragile X Syndrome  (FXS). For further information on the Company, please visit www.novamentis.ca or email  info@novamentis.ca.  

ABOUT KGK SCIENCE  

Founded in 1997, KGK is a leading North American contract research organization based in  London, Ontario that primarily provides high-quality clinical research trials with a focus on the  nutraceutical, cannabis and emerging psychedelic industries. The business has successfully helped  hundreds of companies with custom-designed clinical trials and claim substantiation strategies to  move products into global markets. KGK’s other existing service lines include expert regulatory  support and compliance solutions, participant recruitment, research support services and  consulting services. On an approximate basis, the business to date has produced 150 publications,  executed over 400 clinical trials across more than 40 indications, amassed 25,000 participants in  its database and collected 10 million data points.  

ABOUT WELLBEING DIGITAL SCIENCES  

Wellbeing Digital Sciences Inc. (formerly KetamineOne Capital Limited) is an evidence-based  healthcare company focused on innovative clinical solutions, artificial intelligence-powered digital  therapeutics and contract research. Its mission is supported by a network of North American clinics  that provide ketamine-assisted therapies and other types of treatment to patients as well as through  a contract research organization that offer clinical trials services to clients pursuing drug 

development. In essence, the company exists to make breakthrough treatments more accessible  and to offer patients transformational experiences.  

On behalf of:  

WELLBEING DIGITAL SCIENCES INC. 

“Adam Deffett”  

Adam Deffett, Interim CEO  

For further information, please contact:  

Nick Kuzyk, Investor Relations  

Tel: 1-844-746-6351  

Email: ir@wellbeingdigital.co 

Web: www.wellbeingdigital.co 

Twitter: @Wellbeing_IR  

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information: 

This news release contains forward-looking statements including but not limited to statements regarding the Company’s business, assets or investments, as well other statements that are not historical facts. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur, which may cause actual performance and results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the state of the economy in general and capital markets in particular, investor interest in the business and prospects of the Company.  

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities law. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made, by third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.  

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Blackhawk’s MindBio Therapeutics Ahead of Schedule to Complete Phase 1 Clinical Trial Microdosing of Psychedelic Medicines and Provides Updates on Spinout Process

Blackhawk’s MindBio Therapeutics Ahead of Schedule to Complete Phase 1 Clinical Trial Microdosing of Psychedelic Medicines and Provides Updates on Spinout Process

Vancouver, British Columbia – TheNewswire – January 24, 2022 – Blackhawk Growth Corp. (CSE:BLR) (CNSX:BLR.CN) (OTC:BLRZF) (Frankfurt:0JJ) (the “Company” or “Blackhawk”) is pleased to announce that its subsidiary MindBio Therapeutics Pty Ltd. (“MindBio”) has entered into the final stage of a Phase 1 clinical trial involving microdosing LSD and is on track for completion in March 2022, ahead of its original 12 month schedule.

At completion of the Phase 1 trial, MindBio will have important data and intellectual property on microdosing of medical psychedelics. Having successfully passed the Phase 1 clinical trial’s independent Data and Safety Monitoring Committee and with no adverse events, MindBio is confident it has sufficient data, protocols and strategy for its next phase of clinical trials.

MindBio has also started preparation work for a Phase 2 clinical trial which includes the design of its proprietary psychedelic microdosing formulations that can subsequently be manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards for subsequent use both commercially and in clinical trials.

MindBio is working towards creating a safe and effective microdosing regimen using psychedelics that can be prescribed by doctors to patients in the primary health care system.  In larger doses, LSD is a hallucinogenic drug that substantially changes cognition, thinking, mood and perception, however in much smaller “microdoses”, the medicine is subperceptual, meaning that patients can take the drug without noticing its hallucinogenic effects, but still receive the medicinal benefit and get on with their normal day.

MindBio wants to be the first to market by commercializing a microdosing regimen with substantial potential global mental health care benefits that:

  • have potentially lower side effect risk profile to existing pharmacological treatments such as anti-depressants and benzodiazapines for the treatment of a range of mental health conditions; 
  • offer less risk of harm than large, one-off doses of psychedelics; 
  • affect’s brain neuroplasticity after acute administration, in the same way that larger hallucinogenic doses affect the brain, yet the patient is still able to get on with their normal day after ingesting the microdose.  This is not possible with a psychedelic macro-dosing treatment session which requires an in clinic therapeutic session guided by clinicians over many hours; and 
  • is a scalable solution to global mental health treatment. 

The results of this important clinical trial will form the basis for advancing the commercialization of a psychedelic microdosing regimen for safe use in the community.

1. https://www.beckleyfoundation.org/2018/06/13/psychedelics-promote-neural-plasticity

Update on Spinout Process

Blackhawk is also pleased to report that MindBio is well underway with its proposed spinout.

In December 2021, Blackhawk announced its intention to spinout MindBio as well as Digital Mind Technology, both wholly-owned subsidiaries of Blackhawk, into a newly formed subsidiary of spinco.  It is aniticipated that the spinco will ultimately pursue a separate public listing.

The Company is pleased to report that since the announcement, the Company and its subsidiaries have appointed their legal teams and have progressed with preparation of materials to complete the spinout.

MindBio intends to create a focused multi-disciplinary platform for one of the most progressive psychedelics and mental health development companies in the world with four (4) clinical trials in development and underway this year.  Using novel drug development, microdosing psychedelics, assisted therapies and technology, MindBio is working towards changing the way that mental health disorders are treated.  

It is anticipated that the spin out and listing of MindBio will create significant shareholder value as each Blackhawk shareholder will receive one common share in the newly listed spinco for every share held in Blackhawk, on a pro rata basis, based on a record date that is expected to be set after shareholder and regulatory approvals are received. The Company is expecting to make further announcements on the timetable of the spinout as it becomes available.

“All of our portfolio companies are making significant progress these days”, said Frederick Pels, CEO of Blackhawk. “Our management teams at MindBio and Digital Mind Therapeutics are working hard to complete this Phase 1 clinical trial and move onto its Phase 2, which I am pleased to report is tracking ahead of schedule, bringing us another step closer to commercializing our unique microdosing protocol. In addition, there has been substantial progress on the necessary steps to facilitate our proposed spinout. I look forward to updating shareholders as we progress further.”      

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 TERP Wholesale, Sac Pharma, LeichtMind Clinics, Noble Hemp, Spaced Food, NuWave Foods, MindBio Therapeutics and Digital Mind Technology, as well as an equity position in Gaia Grow (CSE:GAIA).

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

Please visit us online at 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 of the intended spinout 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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Connect with your microdosing community

If you’re looking to try microdosing, what better way to get started than with a community of like-minded individuals. 

Dose Day is a microdosing peer support network that connects you with a small group with similar intentions and interests. Meet with your group weekly to see how the power of community can support you on your journey.

Whether you’re an artist, an executive, a consciousness junkie or someone looking to improve their mental health, there is a group for you.

Plus, half the fee supports palliative care patients with end-of-life anxiety. Click here to learn more.

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Microdosing DMT

Algernon Pharmaceuticals Files for Clinical Trial and Ethics Approval for Phase 1 DMT Human Stroke Study

Algernon Pharmaceuticals (AGN) found that microdoses of DMT can increase the growth of neurons in the brain by up to 40%. An upcoming study will see if this can benefit stroke patients.

Phase I of the study, which is awaiting approval in the UK, will determine the maximum amount of DMT that can be taken without producing a psychedelic effect. Phase II will test repeated doses on acute and recovering stroke patients.

Algernon Logo 1.png

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