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Brain imaging study reveals how psilocybin eases depression

Magic mushroom compound increases brain connectivity in people with depression

“For the first time we find that psilocybin works differently from conventional antidepressants — making the brain more flexible and fluid, and less entrenched in the negative thinking patterns associated with depression,” says Imperial College London researcher David Nutt.

A new brain imaging study found that psilocybin increases brain network integration, whereas a common antidepressant, escitalopram, had no impact on brain network organization. 

fMRI scans showed that psilocybin reduces activity in the default mode network (DMN), a region associated with introspection that’s often overactive in patients with depression, causing negative fixations about one’s self and the future. 

The DMN became more connected with other regions like the salience network and the executive network, which are often impaired in patients with depression (as well as autism and OCD).

Essentially, this helps “open up” the brain, breaking rigid and restrictive patterns.

These findings may explain why psilocybin outperformed escitalopram in treating depression.

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Microdosing reverses the effects of stress on the brain

Repeated lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) reverses stress-induced anxiety-like behavior, cortical synaptogenesis deficits and serotonergic neurotransmission decline

A study published yesterday suggests that microdosing LSD reduces stress-induced anxiety and promotes neuroplasticity.

McGill University researchers found that giving rats a microdose 7 days in a row was able to prevent anxiety-like behaviour when exposed to chronic stress conditions, but a single dose had no behavioural effect.

They also found that repeated microdoses prevented two neurobiological changes that occur with stress: the loss of dendritic spines (the branches on neurons that conduct electrical signals) and the decrease in serotonin transmission.

“We have shown that LSD can rebuild these branches that are ‘dismantled’ due to stress. This is a sign of brain plasticity,” explains one of the researchers.

Interestingly, a single microdose actually decreased serotonin neurotransmission – it was only the repeated regimen that increased the firing of serotonin neurons. So if you’re going to microdose, you may want to try it multiple days in a row 😉

If you’re looking to start microdosing, follow @chloedeutscher on TikTok for advice from an industry expert.

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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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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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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.