Psychedelic Sector Insights
Psychedelic Alpha is an independent newsletter and community that strives to empower a diverse constellation of individuals and organisations with the knowledge, network and nuance to make an impact within the field of psychedelic medicine and beyond.
PSYCHEDELIC ALPHA
An Introduction to the Psychedelic Renaissance
40% of American adults report struggling with mental health or substance abuse disorders. Psychedelics may provide solutions to the global mental health and wellbeing crisis.
After decades of repression, psychedelic research is thriving.
Promising research has already resulted in FDA Breakthrough Therapy designations for psilocybin-assisted therapies aimed at treating depression, and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. Research on other ‘psychedelics’, including MDMA and LSD, is picking up pace with research centres at prestigious institutions—including Johns Hopkins and Imperial College London—driving a new wave of psychedelic research.
Decriminalisation and legalisation campaigns are succeeding.
In 2020 U.S. state of Oregon voted to decriminalise psychedelics and legalise Psilocybin Therapy. Washington, D.C., home of the White House, also decriminalised psychedelics, with many other states and localities poised to follow suit. Canada’s Health Minister has granted exemptions to allow access to psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, setting precedent for future efforts to expand access.
Significant clinical trial milestones on the horizon.
In a Phase 3 MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD trial that published last year, 88% of participants responded to the treatment. The trial’s sponsor, MAPS, expects to seek FDA approval as early as 2023. Multiple trials of psilocybin for depression are in Phase 2 or entering Phase 3, and are indicating preliminary safety and efficacy.
Psychedelics have the potential to address
Welcome to the Psychedelic Renaissance.
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The Psychedelic Renaissance in Context
Today’s psychedelic renaissance benefits from a rich legacy of psychedelic research and usage dating back to pre-historic times.
The extensive psychedelic research and experimentation of the 1950s and ’60s represents a significant endowment, with today’s researchers taking up the torch.
1943
Albert Hofmann intentionally ingests LSD, experiencing the effects while cycling home. “Bicycle Day” is coined.
mid 1960s – 1971
Psychedelics criminalised, with Nixon declaring a War on Drugs in 1971 and a UN Convention following suit.
~10,000 BCE
Psychedelic iconography, such as mushrooms, appear in etched murals dating 10,000 BCE.
1950s and ’60s
Fertile decades for psychedelics research and experimentation, particularly in the U.S.
21st Century
Psychedelic renaissance emerges, with a return to human studies of psychedelics and decriminalisation campaigns.
Our Latest Analysis
Psychedelic Bulletin #103 – MAPS Phase 3 Trial On Schedule; Australia’s National Science Agency Working on Psychedelics; Death Spiral Financings
This week: MAPS’ second Phase 3 study of MDMA-AT for PTSD is on schedule; Australia’s national science agency is exploring medicinal psychedelics; ‘death spiral financings’ arrive to the psychedelics space; and more…
Psychedelic Bulletin #102 – Our Analysis of MindMed’s LSD for Anxiety Results; Mail-Order Ketamine May Come Under Scrutiny; Our Notes from PSYCH Symposium
This week we share our analysis of Phase 2 LSD for Anxiety data shared by MindMed; a look at how at-home ketamine may be next in line for increased DEA/DOJ scrutiny;
our dispatch from PSYCH Symposium ; and more…
Psychedelic Bulletin #101 – Psychedelic R&D in the UK; COMPASS Study Points to Psilocybin for Anorexia
This week: The State of Psychedelic R&D in the UK; COMPASS Study Points to Psilocybin for Anorexia; and more…
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