- Psychedelic Journal Watch
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- Psychedelic Journal Watch
Psychedelic Journal Watch
Keeping health professionals abreast of the latest research in psychedelic medicine
I. Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
The biopharmaceutical company Compass Pathways announced that their patented psilocybin compound (aka COMP360) achieved its primary endpoint target in a Phase 3 trial for treatment-resistant depression.
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 258 participants with TRD across 32 sites, individuals received either a single dose of psilocybin or placebo and depression symptoms were measured before and after.
6 weeks after receiving psilocybin, participants reported a significant reduction in depression symptoms compared to placebo.
According to Guy Goodwin, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Compass Pathways, “as we continue our Phase 3 program, we are very encouraged by the initial positive results and the highly statistically significant and clinically meaningful change in the MADRS score between the arms of the study 6 weeks after a single administration of COMP360.”
II. 5-MeO-DMT for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
The biopharmaceutical company Beckly Psytech announced that their patented 5-MeO-DMT compound (aka BPL-003) achieved its primary and all key secondary endpoints in a Phase 2b study for treatment-resistant depression.
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 198 participants, individuals received either 12mg, 8mg or 0.3mg of 5-MeO-DMT and depression symptoms were measured before and after.
2 months after receiving 5-MeO-DMT, individuals in the 12mg and 8mg arm reported a significant reduction in depression symptoms compared to the 0.3mg placebo arm. The drug was well tolerated; none of the participants reported suicidal intent or behavior after dosing.
According to Dr. David Feifel, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego and Director of the Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute said: “the acute psychedelic effects were shorter than with most other psychedelics studied clinically, suggesting potential for a quicker functional recovery for patients and a reduced need for prolonged monitoring. If a treatment with this profile were available today, it would immediately become my treatment of choice for TRD.”
III. Benefits of Psychedelic Use Among Gender and Sexual Minorities
LGBTQIA individuals report improvements in gender dysphoria and mental health after psychedelic use, according to the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs.
In this naturalistic study involving 346 LGBTQIA individuals who took psychedelics on their own accord, self-reported changes in identity and mental health were measured.
Participants reported significant improvements in gender dysphoria, traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and psychological flexibility after psychedelic use.
According to the authors, “these findings suggest that psychedelic experiences may positively impact mental health and facilitate identity exploration in LGBTQIA+ individuals. This study offers preliminary support for further research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics within marginalized communities.”
5-MeO-DMT also known mebufotenin is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in a wide variety of plant species, and secreted by the glands of the Colorado River toad.
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