A group of prominent researchers and clinicians have published a consensus statement backing the use of MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This statement comes as FDA is reviewing a New Drug Application for midomafetamine (MDMA) for the condition. “On the basis of the safety and efficacy data we have seen, assuming the integrity…
LSD shows promise as standalone anxiety treatment in trial
Phase 2b data from MindMed’s LSD-based therapy adds to the mounting evidence that psychedelic-assisted therapies could treat mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and PTSD. In particular, the study found statistically significant dose-dependent improvements in the Hamilton Anxiety rating scale (HAM-A) at the 100 and 200 μg dose levels in the four-week study. Similarly, recent…
50 of the best-funded biotechs of 2023
As the year draws to a close, it is clear that molecular science and diagnostics is the hottest funding area in the biotech industry. In an analysis of 50 of the best-funded biotechs of 2023 focused on human health, molecular and science and diagnostics startups collectively attracting roughly $945 million, dwarfing the figures in other…
At Day 21, low-dose ketamine KET01 shows no statistical edge over placebo
Ketabon GmbH revealed positive top-line results from its phase 2 KET01-02 study investigating KET01, an oral slow-release formulation of oral ketamine, for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Results were promising initially. Investigators noted improvements in depression severity as early as day 4, but data were not statistically significant over placebo at day 21. A look at Ketabon…
Rethinking treatment options for patients diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder
The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a significant increase in the rates of Americans living with mental illness.1 Meanwhile, medication shortages and a chronic scarcity of mental health professionals added pressure to an already stressed system.2 In this context, pharma companies play a vital role in developing novel therapies for mental health conditions, which can…
The psychedelic neuroplasticity and safety conundrum: Reaping the rewards of neuroplasticity with caution
Evidence continues to build that serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin, DMT, and LSD promote neuroplasticity. Cortical atrophy is involved in the development of a broad swathe of neuropsychiatric conditions ranging from depression to substance use disorder. But it remains unclear how psychedelics may potentially treat mood disorders and other conditions. Despite their therapeutic potential, these…
Can the U.S. unify around psychedelics for mental health?
The U.S. has perhaps never been more divided than it is today. Americans are divided over politics and myriad social issues, COVID-19, climate change, immigration and seemingly everything else. Not surprisingly, opinions also diverge on whether psychedelic drugs have therapeutic potential. Earlier this year, a survey from The Harris Poll found that 65% of Americans with anxiety,…