With each passing week, we are seeing more and more advances in psychedelic research in the scientific and medical fields. As the body of work continues to grow, Truffle Report has compiled a roundup of major medical and scientific news from May 1 – 7, 2021, making it easier for you to track these ongoing developments.
Psychedelic Research Targets Systemic Inflammation
May 4, 2021 – A team at the University of New Orleans is working to refine a potent anti-inflammatory molecule known as DOI (2,5-Dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine), which is a synthetic psychedelic similar to LSD. The researchers have found that DOI is highly effective at preventing and treating widespread inflammation in mice. The team’s current work revolves around reducing the behavioral effects of DOI, which are reported by recreational users to include an even longer trip than LSD of up to 30 hours.
Phase 3 Trial Shows Promising Results for MDMA-Assisted PTSD Therapy
May 4, 2021 – A study led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, to be published in Nature Medicine later in May, shows promising results for MDMA-assisted therapy for the treatment of PTSD. Of the 90 subjects who took part in the trial, those who received MDMA during therapy experienced a significantly greater reduction in the severity of their symptoms compared with those who received therapy and an inactive placebo.
Braxia Scientific Introduces “Braxia Health” a Growing Network of Clinics Leading Novel Psychedelic Research and Treatments for Mental Disorders
May 5, 2021 – Braxia Scientific Corp. announced the rebranding of its growing network of research and treatment clinics to Braxia Health. The company also provided an update on its plan to expand its research and treatment and clinical footprints to address significant opportunities in the North American mental healthcare market. Braxia Health is a network of multidisciplinary outpatient clinical research treatment facilities specializing in providing rapid-acting treatments for conditions like major depressive disorder using methods such as ketamine and intranasal esketamine.
MindMed Announces Project Angie, Targeting the Treatment of Pain with Psychedelics
May 5, 2021 – Mind Medicine (MindMed) Inc. announced the launch of its Project Angie to advance the development of psychedelics to treat pain conditions. MindMed is currently exploring two primary clinical indications to treat pain. For the first stage of Project Angie, MindMed will initiate a study of LSD to treat severe pain. MindMed is currently preparing a pre-IND briefing package for this Phase 2a Proof of Concept study which it plans to submit to the FDA in the second half of 2021. In addition, MindMed is also evaluating a second indication for chronic pain syndrome.
SpeakEasy to Enter Psychedelics Sector with Narcotics Dealers Licence with a Focus on Psilocybin
May 6, 2021 – SpeakEasy Cannabis Club Ltd. announced that it is four months into a six-to-nine month application process to receive its Narcotics Dealers License (“NDL”) in order to develop and standardize psilocybin cultivation.
Canada’s First Psychedelic Training Program for Mental Health Professionals Concludes and is Deemed a Huge Success
May 6, 2021 – ATMA Journey Centers Inc., an Alberta-based company, announced the successful completion of the first Therapist Psychedelic Training Program in conjunction with Wayfound Mental Health Group Inc. and the Psychologists Association of Alberta. Following the program’s success, ATMA is launching an introductory training program next month aimed at non-licensed health industry professionals, counsellors, and social workers.
Hallucinogenic Compound Sensor Could Find New Drugs
May 7, 2021 – A genetically encoded fluorescent sensor to detect hallucinogenic compounds could assist in finding new treatments for mental illness, neuroscience research, and detecting drugs. The sensor was developed at UC Davis School of Medicine.
