Blossom Pulse
What happened in psychedelic research lately
One stream for movement in the field: papers as they publish, trials starting and finishing, programme milestones, and the news coverage around them. Every row is dated by when it happened, not by when we logged it. Grouped by week, filterable by type. Open a row for the summary, tags, and link.
This is the recent end of a 4,717-event archive. Filters search all of it, and every year with records is one click away.
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Week of 17 August
Halstead, a former Intra-Cellular Therapies executive who led a major J&J acquisition, will guide Helus Pharma’s serotonergic agonists towards late-stage development and commercialisation. HLP003, a psilocin analogue, showed durable Phase 2 responses as an add-on to antidepressants, with a potential NDA filing as early as 2028 if progress continues.
PsilocybinAnxiety DisordersDepressive DisordersMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD)The hybrid default mode network and frontoparietal network coactivation pattern occurred less often during ketamine infusion than placebo, with stronger effects in people with higher baseline rumination. Activity returned to baseline 24 hours later, while ketamine also reduced engagement of a canonical somatomotor pattern; the study also examined lamotrigine pretreatment.
KetamineNeuroimaging & Brain MeasuresJohnson & Johnson has signed a term sheet to lead Delix Therapeutics’ Series C, although the financing has not yet closed. The round would support clinical development of zalsupindole, or DLX-001, a non-hallucinogenic candidate inspired by 5-MeO-DMT, which is being studied in major depressive disorder.
Week of 10 August
A single dose of psilocybin, converted to psilocin in the brain, acted in the anterior cingulate cortex rather than blocking pain signals at the spinal level. The effect required simultaneous activation of serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A receptors, but the findings are in mice and may not translate to humans.
PsilocybinAnxiety DisordersChronic PainDepressive DisordersIsrael’s Center on Addiction and Mental Health found that problematic use has remained around a quarter of the population since December 2023. Sedative and sleeping-pill use rose from 3.8% in 2022 to 10.2% in 2025, while ketamine and 3-MMC were the most popular substances among Gen-Z respondents.
KetaminePTSDThis secondary analysis across two trials (n=35) examined blood biomarkers and psychological changes in adults with major depressive disorder, with or without post-traumatic stress disorder, after low-dose oral ketamine treatment. Both groups showed improvements in several measures, including depression or PTSD symptoms, anxiety, stress and well-being, alongside decreases in blood BDNF and VEGF-A, with no detectable difference between diagnoses.
KetaminePTSDMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD)Depressive DisordersThe taxpayer-funded trial is testing single doses of 5, 10 or 25 mg alongside six weeks of psychotherapy to assess safe and effective dosing. The Indiana Therapeutic Psilocybin Research Fund recently provided $300,000, with further funding sought in the next budget cycle.
PsilocybinDepressive DisordersThe Drug Enforcement Administration assessed applications for exempt chemical preparations received from 1 March to 30 June 2026. The publication covers preparations through 30 June 2026 that were not included in earlier notices and does not affect preparations already published.
This retrospective observational study (n=2363) examined regulated psilocybin services in Oregon and Colorado, where most clients had pre-existing mental health issues. Two weeks after dosing, depression and anxiety scores improved by about half and wellbeing by 22%, but the study also recorded mild adverse events and possible increased suicidality, with limitations including self-reporting and loss to follow-up.
PsilocybinAnxiety DisordersDepressive DisordersImplementation & Service DeliveryThe study evaluated LSD (DT120) in generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). The results follow positive topline findings from Definium Therapeutics’ Phase 3 Emerge programme in major depressive disorder (MDD), reported two months earlier.
LSDAnxiety DisordersDepressive DisordersMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD)Also covered by BioSpace, Clinicaltrialvanguard
This early Phase I, randomised, triple-blind, crossover trial (n=18) will evaluate whether 5-HT1A receptor blockade alters the acute subjective effects of psilocybin in healthy volunteers. Participants will receive psilocybin with either pindolol or placebo, with the study focused on subjective survey outcomes, acute electroencephalography (EEG), and the mechanistic basis of the altered state of consciousness induced by psilocybin. In each dosing session, participants will be given a moderate dose of psilocybin trihydrate 18 mg (equivalent to 15 mg psilocybin anhydrate) together with pindolol 30 mg or a microcrystalline cellulose placebo. The study will also examine post-acute sleep and dreaming using sleep EEG, sleep diaries, and dream diaries, collected for 10 days before and 10 days after each drug administration session, alongside at-home sleep EEG recordings for 5 days before and 5 days after each session. The primary outcome is the Mystical Experiences Questionnaire, assessed from the first dosing session to the end of the second dosing session, over approximately 10 days.
PsilocybinThe Cambridge, Massachusetts-based biotech said new preclinical data strengthens its case that lead candidate EB-003 could provide antidepressant benefits without producing a psychedelic trip. The data was released on 5 August 2026, and Enveric Biosciences is listed on Nasdaq under ENVB.
This secondary analysis of an RCT (n=60) in healthy volunteers, psilocybin temporarily changed different aspects of empathy in opposite directions. Participants became less accurate at identifying positive emotions in others, while showing greater emotional responses to positive emotions and greater empathic concern for others. These changes were no longer present one week later, although greater empathic concern during the experience was associated with more positive changes in mood, relationships, and attitudes toward life and self at follow-up.
PsilocybinAnxiety DisordersHealthy VolunteersNeuroimaging & Brain MeasuresThe Department of Veterans Affairs launched PIVOT, a five-site trial evaluating COMP360 psilocybin for Veterans with treatment-resistant depression. The Senate voted 90-6 to delay most federal hemp-derived THC restrictions until December 11, while the FDA finalised psychedelic clinical investigation guidance and scheduled a September hearing. ICON is also bringing Anthropic’s Claude into clinical trial operations.
PsilocybinVeteransAlso covered by The Microdose
This longitudinal qualitative study (n=18) explored participants’ experiences of co-therapy, in which two therapists jointly support people receiving psilocybin-assisted therapy for generalised anxiety disorder. Participants described co-therapy as promoting safety, trust and therapeutic insights, while also influencing therapy processes and raising practical concerns about access and feasibility.
PsilocybinAnxiety DisordersParticipants received psilocybin or placebo plus about 10 psychotherapy sessions, with interviews and urine tests over six months. Temporary emotional distress, increased blood pressure during dosing and later headaches were reported, while researchers cautioned that the small sample and combined psychotherapy made the findings inconclusive.
PsilocybinThe resubmission follows the FDA’s August 2024 Complete Response Letter, which recommended further research on durability of response, safety and potential bias. The application is being resubmitted without a new Phase 3 study, while recently updated FDA guidance addresses psychedelic trial design, safety and therapist-delivered interventions.
MDMAPTSDAlso covered by Psychedelic Alpha
Week of 3 August
This randomised, blinded feasibility study (n=13) tested whether healthy adults could complete physiotherapist-led movement tasks after psilocybin (5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and 20 mg), and found the tasks were manageable up to 15 mg, with impairment at 20 mg on tasks combining movement with cognitive demands. Nausea and headache were common, and no serious adverse events occurred.
PsilocybinHealthy VolunteersThis double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised pilot trial (n=9) assessed the feasibility and tolerability of a single 25-mg dose of psilocybin in people with phantom limb pain after amputation. No serious adverse events or emergent suicidality occurred; pain ratings showed possible reductions after two and four weeks, but these exploratory findings may have been affected by the small sample and unblinding.
PsilocybinChronic PainThe Department of Health and Social Care and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency maintain a regularly updated list of restricted medicines. Hoarding or exporting a listed medicine breaches regulation 43(2) of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 and may lead to regulatory action, including immediate suspension of a wholesale dealer licence.
SAMHSA’s two-day consultation brought together federal agency representatives, psychedelic researchers, state regulators and entrepreneurs. Participants explored existing data sources, gaps in collection and reporting, and opportunities to harmonise methods, while drug development companies were not invited.
Also covered by Psychedelic Alpha
This secondary analysis of two Phase II randomised trials (n=53) examined mystical-type experiences during MDMA-assisted therapy for chronic PTSD. MDMA sessions produced higher scores than active placebo, and positive mood experiences were associated with greater reductions in PTSD symptoms, while overall mystical experiences and other aspects showed weaker, non-significant links.
MDMAPTSDThis double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled feasibility trial (n=60) tested a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin with psychological support for people with treatment-resistant major depression in an NHS setting. Psilocybin reduced depressive symptoms more than placebo at three weeks, with benefits sustained at six weeks, although non-serious adverse events were more frequent with psilocybin.
PsilocybinTreatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)Depressive DisordersCompass Pathways is working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on an investigational study of psilocybin.
PsilocybinVeteransThe Post-Psychedelic Challenges Study involves Brown University, the University of Melbourne, the University of North Texas and Dr Roman Palitsky of Emory University. It examines symptoms of difficulties after a trip and factors contributing to their improvement.
This Phase I/Phase II, non-randomised, triple‑masked, sequential trial (n=30) will evaluate the safety and tolerability of oral psilocybin (5 mg, 10 mg and 25 mg) in veterans with chronic spinal cord injury and a diagnosed depressive disorder. The primary focus is to determine whether psilocybin increases the number or severity of treatment‑related adverse events (recorded in an adverse events log) over the study period, with secondary assessment of tolerability of the psychedelic experience and effects on depression severity, pain, muscle spasms, autonomic measures and quality of life. Thirty participants (15 with paraplegia and 15 with tetraplegia) will be allocated to one of three dose cohorts (low 5 mg, medium 10 mg, high 25 mg) in a stepwise safety design; participants will be masked to dose. Enrolment covers up to 13 months and includes at least 16 study visits (including seven visits comprising psilocybin‑assisted therapy), in‑person visits at the VA medical centre and remote visits, and follow‑up assessments through study completion. Key eligibility requirements include age ≥22 years, chronic spinal cord injury ≥1 year, weight ≥50 kg, ability to swallow pills and to taper antidepressants under clinician supervision; major exclusions include recent psychedelic, ketamine or ECT exposure, Bipolar I disorder, certain substance use disorders, uncontrolled hypertension and pregnancy or nursing.
PsilocybinThis double-blind, active-controlled study (n=36) aims to evaluate the preliminary clinical efficacy, safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of CYB004 (DMT) in participants diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) with depressive symptoms.
DMTCompass Pathways announced financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2026. It also outlined business highlights for the same periods.
Also covered by Lasvegassun
Compass Pathways announced new employee inducement grants under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). No further details were provided.
A July 2026 recap of psychedelic research covering patient studies, ketamine care, psilocybin, ibogaine, human mechanisms and preclinical safety work.
This Phase III, randomised, quadruple‑masked, parallel trial (n=240) will evaluate the efficacy and risks of psilocybin for treatment‑resistant depression in U.S. military veterans with and without concurrent post‑traumatic stress disorder, with the primary outcome being change in the Montgomery‑Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at 2 weeks. This multi‑site study randomises participants to either a psilocybin intervention dose or a psilocybin comparator dose under blinded conditions. Consenting veterans will receive two psilocybin dosing sessions with psychological preparation, administration and integration support from a facilitator; participants are randomised at the first administration to one of the two doses and one month later all participants receive a 25 mg dose at the second session. Outcomes are measured by an independent evaluator masked to treatment at 2 and 4 weeks after each dosing session, with longer‑term follow‑up over 6 months, and both expected and unanticipated adverse events collected. Key eligibility includes English‑speaking U.S. veterans aged 18–75 years with a current major depressive episode (MADRS ≥20) who have not responded to ≥2 adequate antidepressant treatments.
PsilocybinThis qualitative study (n=10 participants, six therapists) explored psychological changes after a single intranasal dose of 5-MeO-DMT alongside psychological support and cognitive behavioural therapy for alcohol use disorder. Participants and therapists described improved self-awareness, emotional openness, flexibility and relationships, with some participants reporting abstinence or reduced compulsive drinking at 12 weeks.
5-MeO-DMTAlcohol Use Disorder (AUD)Substance Use Disorders (SUD)The Drug Enforcement Administration proposes revising the listing for 3,4-MDP-2-P methyl glycidic acid, also known as PMK glycidic acid. The change would add its esters not listed elsewhere in the Controlled Substances Act, alongside existing provisions covering salts and optical and geometric isomers.
Also covered by Thefederalregister
The House attached psychedelic amendments to the FY2027 defence bill. VA Secretary Doug Collins promoted the agency’s 20 active trials, while Louisiana began spending opioid settlement money on psychedelic research and said it would claim 20 per cent of profits from resulting developments.
Week of 27 July
This open-label Phase II secondary analysis (n=30) compared psilocybin-assisted therapy in people with cancer receiving systemic anticancer treatment and those who were not. A single 25-mg dose produced similar reductions in depressive symptoms and a similar safety profile in both groups, although all severe or serious adverse events occurred among those receiving cancer treatment and were judged unrelated to psilocybin.
PsilocybinThe study found that ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, and serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin engage shared immune pathways between the blood and brain. Before treatment, ketamine responders showed lower IL-15 signalling, while the text also indicates that IL-7 and IL-15 balance may help predict response.
KetaminePsilocybinDepressive DisordersCommon marmosets given ayahuasca before and during prolonged social isolation showed preserved neuronal volume similar to non-stressed controls, unlike isolated animals without ayahuasca. With two animals per group, the study could not confirm statistically meaningful effects on overall cortical volume or neuronal density, and its findings remain preliminary.
AyahuascaPublished in the Journal of Drug Issues, the observational study found a 0.57-point reduction on a 27-point depressive symptom scale among psilocybin and alcohol co-users, with additional anxiety reductions in unadjusted analyses. The findings cannot establish cause and effect or direct therapeutic benefit, and the authors called for prospective research.
PsilocybinAnxiety DisordersDepressive DisordersThis randomised, triple-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II mechanistic trial (n=40) will assess a single 16 mg oral dose of CYB003 versus placebo on brain activity and connectivity in participants with MDD and moderate-to-severe anxiety.
PsilocybinThis Phase IIb, randomised, double-blind, active-controlled trial (n=140) will evaluate the efficacy and safety of inhaled DMT in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). It will assess whether a higher-dose inhaled DMT regimen can more rapidly reduce depressive symptoms and suicide risk than a lower-dose active comparator, with primary outcomes focused on change in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score and incidence of suicidal ideation and behaviour. Participants will be allocated 1:1 to receive either 15 mg followed 1 hour later by 60 mg of inhaled DMT, or 1 mg followed 1 hour later by 4 mg, administered via a Volcano Medic 2 vaporiser in two inhalations. Those who do not achieve remission at Day 7 (MADRS >10) will enter an open-label extension and receive a high-dose session on Day 14 (±3 days), while remitters will not be re-dosed; all participants will then be followed for up to 12 months to examine durability of response, safety, functioning and quality of life.
DMTThis single-blind interventional trial (n=20) will investigate the safety of ascending doses of psilocybin for home administration.
PsilocybinThe collaboration would combine Rose Hill’s pharmaceutical-grade operations, regulatory infrastructure and PTI framework with Control Z’s holistic care model. The proposed programme would include medical sessions, physical training, nutrition, breathwork and mindfulness, subject to state licensing, alongside Rose Hill’s other psychedelic initiatives in stroke recovery, depression and autism.
PsilocybinDepressive DisordersPTSDHeld on 7 May 2026 in Brussels, the forum compared access pathways across Europe, where most psychedelic-assisted therapies remain limited to clinical trials, apart from ketamine and esketamine. Germany is developing a compassionate-access pathway within the EU framework, while Switzerland has long used case-by-case exemptions for psychedelic treatments.
EsketamineKetamineThe Providence VA Medical Center and VA Connecticut Healthcare System are testing MDMA-assisted therapy in veterans with PTSD and co-occurring alcohol use disorder. Separately, Compass Pathways is partnering with the VA on a COMP360 synthetic psilocybin study for treatment-resistant depression, with veterans included.
MDMAPsilocybinDepressive DisordersPTSDVeteransAlso covered by Compass Pathways, Navytimes
This single-group Phase II study (n=15) tested two doses of oral psilocybin (15 mg then 25 mg, two sessions ~2 weeks apart) with preparatory and integration psychotherapy in US military veterans with PTSD.
PsilocybinThe 11-week trial combined two doses of synthetic psilocybin with psychotherapy and integration therapy. Researchers assessed safety and feasibility rather than efficacy, and three participants did not achieve remission. Most adverse effects were mild headaches, while follow-up will continue for six months and inform plans for a larger randomised study.
PsilocybinPTSDThis open-label pilot clinical trial (n=12) tested psilocybin-assisted therapy in U.S. military veterans with severe, treatment-resistant PTSD and found no serious side effects or increase in suicidal thoughts, while PTSD symptoms fell substantially over one month. Headache, anxiety and dizziness were the main non-serious adverse events.
PsilocybinPTSDVeteransThis translational study integrated cell, blood and brain measures from people with treatment-resistant depression and healthy volunteers to examine shared biological changes linked to rapid antidepressant responses to ketamine and psychedelics. It found immune signalling pathways, especially involving IL-7 and IL-15, were associated with brain activity changes and with who responded to ketamine.
LSDKetaminePsilocybinDepressive DisordersHealthy VolunteersThis open-label pilot feasibility study (n=9) gave escalating oral doses of ibogaine, up to 400 mg, to adults with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder under continuous hospital monitoring. QTc changes occurred in five patients and mild to moderate adverse effects were common, and although most reported drinking less, only five completed the study.
IbogaineAlcohol Use Disorder (AUD)Substance Use Disorders (SUD)This Phase III, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial (n=348) will evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of esketamine nasal spray as monotherapy in adults with treatment-resistant depression. Participants with major depressive disorder who have not responded to at least 2 adequate antidepressant treatments in the current episode will receive esketamine 56 mg or 84 mg, or placebo, with the main outcome being change in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score over the 4-week double-blind treatment phase. Participants will self-administer intranasal spray twice a week for 4 weeks: esketamine 56 mg, esketamine 84 mg, or placebo. Those who complete the double-blind phase on Day 28 may be eligible for an open-label phase in which they can receive esketamine 56 mg or 84 mg. The study requires a DSM-5 diagnosis of single-episode or recurrent major depressive disorder without psychotic features, with depression onset before age 55, and includes adults aged 18 years and older.
EsketamineRose Hill Life Sciences appointed Jama Pitman as chief executive officer to lead its psilocybin clinical programmes for neurological and psychiatric conditions.
PsilocybinDepressive DisordersPTSDOregon Psilocybin Services has released its first dataset from 2026, covering January to March. The update includes information on product sales, client motivations, safety updates, and the individuals and organisations shaping the OPS infrastructure.
Psilocybin
Week of 20 July
A Neuroscience Bulletin study in rats mapped mescaline’s brain effects for the first time, finding reduced cerebellar activity and altered connectivity with the hippocampus and other regions.
MescalineARPA-H has opened a Special Notice for its $139.4 million EVIDENT initiative on serious mental illness, including a $50 million state-match for psychedelic research.
Bipolar DisorderDepressive DisordersPTSDSchizophreniaThis qualitative analysis of 31 participants from a randomised controlled trial of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for distress linked to life-threatening illness explored how music shaped their experiences during psilocybin sessions. Participants said music helped them connect with deep feelings and memories, and they felt more strongly connected to music during psilocybin than during control sessions.
PsilocybinAnxiety DisordersDepressive DisordersPalliative & End-of-Life DistressThe Psychedelic Company Financing Tracker was updated to reflect activity in Q2 2026. Psychedelic financing activity in the second quarter of 2026 broke all records, with just over $1 billion raised over the three-month period across ten events. The vast majority of that capital came from just one financing.
This uncontrolled exploratory study (n=29 per drug) examined working memory and related brain activity before and after a single dose of psilocybin or MDMA in healthy participants. It found no evidence of lasting working memory harm, and both drugs were linked to changes in brain activity, with improved task accuracy after MDMA and at three-month follow-up in both groups.
PsilocybinMDMAHealthy VolunteersThis modelling study, supported by a rat experiment, assessed whether repeated low-dose psilocybin could pose a heart valve risk by acting on the 5-HT2B receptor. It found a 3 mg daily regimen had a large safety margin in the model, and rats exposed to higher psilocin levels for 12 days showed no valve damage, though slow fibrosis could not be ruled out.
LSDPsilocybinAnxiety DisordersMicrodosingThe bulletin looks at the Eli Lilly-AtaiBeckley deal, drawing on people familiar with the details who spoke on condition of anonymity. It also updates the patent standoff involving GH Research and Atai Beckley, and notes field reactions to FDA guidance. It adds that Resilient is preparing a resubmission.
This open-label observational study (n=30) in US veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) found that magnesium-ibogaine did not change overall default mode network connectivity, but it did alter a dynamic brain state linked to mystical experiences and clinical improvement one month later. The affected brain pattern was related to a shift towards more internally focused thought.
IbogaineAnxiety DisordersPTSDThis observational study (n=105) examined psilocybin taken after either compassion imagery or breathing-focused priming, using questionnaires and fMRI. It found lasting increases in absorption, decentring and self-compassion, with the strongest brain and psychological effects seen in the high-dose compassion imagery group.
PsilocybinNeuroimaging & Brain MeasuresHelus completed enrolment in APPROACH, one of two pivotal Phase 3 studies of HLP003 as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder. Topline results are expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, while the companion EMBRACE study remains under way.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)Psychedelic Alpha has released its Q3 2026 psychedelic drug development pipeline bullseye charts. The charts present an overview of the sector's drug development pipeline for the quarter.
De-risks the pivotal timeline and sets a firm Q4 2026 readout.
PsilocybinMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD)Texas moved ahead with state-funded ibogaine trials, while Eli Lilly agreed to buy AtaiBeckley for up to $3.8 billion. In separate developments, a Miami Beach doctor faced a manslaughter charge, and a Diné Nation chapter asked the DEA to block commercial mescaline manufacturing.
IbogaineMescalineStatus active → defunct: InnerTrek’s Oregon psilocybin service centre appears to have shut down in June 2026. InnerTrek’s own service-centre page says June 2026 marked the successful completion of the three-year lease and that the organisation chose not to renew or operate a single licensed service centre location, while re
This qualitative study (n=25) examined a hybrid group model combining psilocybin-assisted therapy with virtual community-of-practice sessions for people with terminal illness-related distress. Participants generally completed the programme and reported greater self-trust, a better outlook, and stronger connection to community, with peer support and a sense of safety seen as important.
PsilocybinThis mouse study examined how psilocybin affects dendrites in the medial frontal cortex and found that it briefly increased calcium activity in apical dendritic tufts only during quiet wakefulness. The effect depended on 5-HT2A receptors, and psilocybin disrupted the usual link between dendritic activity and later spine formation.
Psilocybin
Week of 13 July
This Phase I randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled single-ascending-dose trial (n=56) in healthy adults tested low doses of psilocybin and found dose-related subjective effects and pupil dilation, but no serious side effects, hallucinations, or measurable cognitive decline. Subjective effects became distinguishable from placebo at 2.5 mg or below, suggesting low doses may separate psilocybin’s pharmacology from its hallucinogenic effects.
PsilocybinHealthy VolunteersWashington had a busy week, and the period also saw what is described as the biggest psychedelic buyout yet. No further details are provided here.
This Phase II randomised, quadruple-masked trial (n=120) will study adults aged 18 to 70 years with borderline personality disorder, treatment-resistant major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, and suicidal ideation, evaluating whether intravenous ketamine plus dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) reduces suicidal ideation more rapidly and robustly than midazolam plus DBT. The main purpose is to assess change in suicidal ideation severity from baseline to Day 35 using the Modified Scale for Suicidal Ideation (MSSI). All participants will receive DBT for 6 months, starting before the infusions, with weekly individual sessions and the addition of weekly group sessions from Week 5. The experimental arm will receive six intravenous ketamine infusions over 1 month: the first two at 0.5 mg/kg over 40 minutes, infusions 3 and 4 flexibly dosed at 0.5 mg/kg to 0.75 mg/kg, and infusions 5 and 6 flexibly dosed at 0.5 mg/kg to 0.85 mg/kg. The comparator arm will receive six intravenous midazolam infusions over the same period: the first two at 0.02 mg/kg over 40 minutes, infusions 3 and 4 at 0.02 mg/kg to 0.03 mg/kg, and infusions 5 and 6 at 0.2 mg/kg to 0.035 mg/kg. Participants will also complete hospital visits, remote follow-up by call or videocall, and a range of mood, cognitive and behavioural assessments.
KetamineLilly agreed to pay US$6.75 per share in cash, valuing AtaiBeckley at about US$2.8 billion upfront with up to US$1 billion in additional milestone payments. The transaction would add BPL-003, intranasal mebufotenin in Phase 3 development activity for treatment-resistant depression, plus other neuropsychiatric assets.
5-MeO-DMTTreatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)Compass Pathways announced publication of a post-hoc analysis examining COMP360 trial monitoring and support. The analysis found a distinction between this support and psychotherapy.
PsilocybinThis observational study (n=22) analysed audio transcripts from a 12-week trial of 25 mg COMP360 psilocybin for post-traumatic stress disorder to examine how much participants and support providers spoke during sessions. It found that administration sessions were mostly silent, with reassurance and validation being the main forms of support.
PsilocybinPTSDThis randomised placebo-controlled trial (n=54) in people with treatment-resistant depression tested six weeks of daily low-dose oral esketamine and found no greater rise in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor than with placebo. BDNF increased over time in both groups, but this did not track with changes in depression symptoms or drug metabolites.
EsketamineTreatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)Depressive DisordersNeuroimaging & Brain MeasuresThis is the first time a top-five pharmaceutical company has taken direct ownership of a psychedelic clinical asset. Until now the field has been funded by specialist biotechs and venture capital, with large pharma watching from the sidelines. A buyer of this size changes what a positive Phase 3 readout is worth, and it gives BPL-003 access to commercial infrastructure no psychedelic programme has had before.
5-MeO-DMTThis double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II trial (n=50) will investigate the effects of intravenous ketamine infusions on patients with depressive symptoms in the intensive care unit (ICU).
KetamineGovernor Kelly Ayotte signed HB 1772, allowing ibogaine administration by licensed physicians and qualified practitioners within FDA-approved research protocols. The law does not create general clinical access and is scheduled to take effect on 13 September 2026.
IbogaineTranscend Public Benefit Corporation committed US$20 million over one year to non-profit organisations working on psychedelic mental healthcare. Funding priorities include research, treatment access and field infrastructure across sexual trauma, addiction, end-of-life care, depression and underserved populations.
Massachusetts advanced a psychedelic therapy pilot programme as the FDA finalised guidance for psychedelic trials and set a hearing for September. The week also saw the WNBA ban multiple psychedelics, France dose its first Phase III psilocybin participant, and a British chemist face US extradition.
PsilocybinAlso covered by Afslaw, Highlycapitalized
This secondary analysis of a psilocybin neuroimaging trial used [11C]UCB-J PET to measure synaptic density (SV2A) in 15 healthy participants one week after a single dose. A preplanned interim analysis found no significant increase in frontal or hippocampal binding, and the study was stopped for futility. In exploratory analyses, participants dosed in a calm intervention room rather than inside the MRI scanner reported stronger mystical-type experiences and greater positive persisting effects at three months, and showed larger synaptic increases, indicating that session environment shapes the response.
PsilocybinHealthy VolunteersMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD)Depressive DisordersNeuroimaging & Brain MeasuresFDA issued final guidance for sponsors developing psychedelic drugs for medical conditions. It finalises the June 2023 draft and addresses clinical investigation design, safety monitoring and other challenges specific to psychedelic drug development.
Substance Use Disorders (SUD)The Health Resources and Services Administration issued a request for information on workforce training and care-delivery models for potential FDA-approved psychedelic therapies. It asks how services could be delivered safely in community and ambulatory settings, including health centres, rural clinics and certified community behavioural health clinics.
U.S. federal bodies announced psychedelics-related actions, including a National Institute on Drug Abuse funding award for a multi-phase ibogaine project at Harvard. The work focuses on ibogaine for opioid use disorder, and the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health also announced a funding opportunity related to developing ibogaine.
IbogaineOpioid Use Disorder (OUD)This open-label pilot study (n=11) tested psilocybin-assisted therapy with multidisciplinary palliative care in cancer patients with demoralisation and chronic pain, and found it was safe, feasible and well accepted. Among the 10 people who received psilocybin, there were no serious adverse events and most no longer met criteria for clinically significant demoralisation by the end of the study.
PsilocybinChronic PainPalliative & End-of-Life DistressThis subgroup reanalysis of a RCT (n=28) in healthy men found that a combined DMT and harmine formulation reduced embarrassment and shame when participants evaluated their own singing, whereas harmine alone did not. The effect was seen only for self-related negative emotions and not for other vocal recordings.
DMTHealthy VolunteersPersonality & Trait FactorsThis open-label, single-arm Phase IV trial (n=47) will evaluate the efficacy and safety of esketamine nasal spray (flexibly dosed at 56mg or 84mg) in Korean adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
EsketamineThe US Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Veterans Affairs signed a five-year memorandum to coordinate research and readiness for potential psychedelic treatments for veterans. The collaboration covers trial protocols, workforce preparation, real-world evidence and implementation planning, with related FDA and VA information-sharing work.
PTSDSubstance Use Disorders (SUD)FDA announced a public hearing for 14 September 2026 on the potential future therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs. The agency is seeking evidence and operational input on safe administration, supportive settings and implementation if products are approved.
ARPA-H invited researchers and companies to compete for funding for early clinical development of ibogaine in opioid use disorder. The programme seeks work on investigational new drug preparation, a Phase 1 protocol, cardiotoxicity mitigation, clinical-grade manufacturing and affordability.
IbogaineOpioid Use Disorder (OUD)This pooled analysis (n=72; 31 male, 41 female) of two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies comparing psilocybin (15 mg), 2C-B (20 mg), and LSD (50 μg) in healthy volunteers found that female participants reported more intense acute subjective effects and greater perceived impairment than male participants across all three drugs, with no sex differences in empathy or peak drug concentrations, pointing to pharmacodynamic rather than pharmacokinetic causes.
Psilocybin2C-XLSDHealthy Volunteers
Week of 6 July
This observational study (n=36) examined blood and saliva samples from clinical trial participants treated with ketamine or MDMA and found changes in DNA methylation across many brain-related genes. The altered genes were linked to neuroplasticity and neuroimmune regulation, suggesting these drugs affect peripheral epigenetic pathways relevant to mental health.
MDMAKetamineDepressive DisordersPTSDThis preliminary study (n=5) examined MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and found that discrimination-related trauma symptoms fell after treatment in a small, diverse group of participants. All participants reported marked improvement, but the sample was very small.
MDMAPTSDThis exploratory, non-randomised open-label clinical trial (n=46) compared subcutaneous esketamine (35–70 mg/70 kg) alone with esketamine plus ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for treatment-resistant depression. Both groups improved, but psychotherapy was linked to earlier improvement and higher remission at the end of treatment, with no group difference during six months of follow-up.
EsketamineKetamineDepressive DisordersOregon's public health department announced on 1 July that the psilocybin services programme will merge with the medical marijuana programme into a single Oregon Psilocybin and Medical Cannabis Section, with the transition due by 1 September 2026. Budget pressure is the stated driver: proposed fees would double to $20,000 a year for service centres and manufacturers and to $4,000 for facilitators, while discounts for non-profits, veterans and low-income applicants may be cut. Half of the 39 licensed service centres have already closed, and sessions still cost between $850 and $3,000. Separately, the IBOGAINE Act introduced on 30 June seeks to codify the April psychedelics executive order into permanent law.
PsilocybinThis retrospective cohort study (n=63) compared induction treatment with intranasal esketamine and intravenous ketamine for treatment-resistant depression in a community clinic and found large reductions in depression scores in both groups. There were no serious adverse events, and the two treatments had similar short-term outcomes, although the study was too small to show whether one was better than the other.
KetamineEsketamineImplementation & Service DeliveryTreatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)Depressive DisordersThis open-label clinical study (n=41) of inhaled DMT in healthy volunteers and people with treatment-resistant depression found short-term reductions in anxiety and longer-lasting improvements in life satisfaction and quality of life, especially in patients. The benefits were seen alongside psychological support, but the study had no placebo control.
DMTHealthy VolunteersInterpersonal Functioning & Social ConnectednessTreatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)Depressive DisordersThis single-blind pilot study (n=21) of adult females with anorexia nervosa tested three oral psilocybin doses over 6 weeks alongside talk therapy and usual care, and found the treatment was generally well tolerated with improvements in eating disorder symptoms and motivation to change. Common side effects were headache, nausea and dizziness, and two serious suicide attempts occurred in one participant during follow-up.
PsilocybinEating DisordersSuicidalityThis open-label trial (n=24) aims to investigate the impact of a single dose of psilocybin (25mg), administered with therapeutic support, on the default mode network (DMN) in individuals with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
PsilocybinThis secondary analysis of a randomised, placebo-controlled trial found that psilocybin selectively reduced cerebrospinal fluid galanin and noradrenaline in people with major depressive disorder. The results suggest that changes in these two signalling chemicals may be part of psilocybin’s biological effect.
PsilocybinDepressive DisordersDurability data address a central question for a single- or twice-dosed intervention and strengthen the case for regulatory approval.
PsilocybinTreatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)AtaiBeckley dosed the final participant in Elumina, a 156-patient Phase 2b study of the buccal DMT candidate VLS-01 in treatment-resistant depression. Topline data are expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, and the company said a Phase 3 major depressive disorder programme is planned if the results support progression.
DMTTreatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)This open-label extension study (n=130) of people with treatment-resistant depression found that a 4-week course of repeated subcutaneous racemic ketamine helped a minority of participants, but benefits dropped after treatment stopped. Prior ketamine treatment in the earlier trial did not clearly change later response, and no unexpected safety problems were seen.
KetamineDepressive DisordersSuicidalityA June 2026 recap of psychedelic research spanning clinical trials, human mechanism studies, and broader reviews across psilocybin, ketamine, MDMA, LSD, esketamine, ibogaine, and related compounds.
Week of 29 June
This secondary analysis of a randomised, double-blind, midazolam-controlled trial (n=30) examined EEG brain interaction patterns in late-life veterans with treatment-resistant depression after ketamine infusion. Ketamine caused time-dependent changes in these higher-order interactions, and larger 24-hour increases in alpha-band redundancy were linked to greater improvement in depressive symptoms by day 7.
KetamineDepressive DisordersNeuroimaging & Brain MeasuresThis observational study (n=50) examined an ACT-informed psilocybin truffle retreat followed by one of two targeted psychotherapies. Mental health, well-being and life functioning improved after the retreat and psychotherapy, with continued or greater improvement in the Psychedelic Memory Network Reexperiencing group than in the self-perspective-taking and cognitive-defusion group.
PsilocybinDepressive DisordersAnxiety DisordersSet & SettingThis retrospective observational study (n=179) compared intramuscular ketamine with intranasal esketamine in veterans with treatment-resistant depression and found that ketamine was no worse for reducing depression or PTSD symptoms. Safety was similar, but the intramuscular treatment was far cheaper over an eight-treatment course.
EsketamineKetamineHealth Economics & ReimbursementTreatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)Depressive DisordersVeteransThis Phase I–II, open-label, single-group trial (n=15) will evaluate a single oral dose of ayahuasca in adults aged 18–60 with documented psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and no comorbid epilepsy. The study will primarily assess changes in seizure frequency over the 4 weeks following treatment. Participants will receive ayahuasca at a dose of 1 ml/kg by mouth, with seizure frequency recorded at baseline and 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after dosing. Eligible participants must be receiving outpatient follow-up care and will gradually reduce and discontinue current psychotropic medicines to avoid potential drug interactions or effects on ayahuasca treatment.
AyahuascaThis Phase II, randomised, quadruple-masked, parallel-group trial (n=40) will evaluate oral psilocybin therapy for depression in people with Parkinson’s disease. The study will assess whether two psilocybin administration sessions, delivered in a monitored setting with psychotherapeutic support, improve depressive symptoms and other clinical outcomes in participants with early to moderate Parkinson’s disease and moderate or greater depression. Participants with Hoehn and Yahr stage 1–3 Parkinson’s disease and a baseline Beck Depression Inventory-2 score of at least 20 will receive one dose of psilocybin ranging from low (“microdose”) to high in each of two drug administration sessions, with preparation psychotherapy before and integration sessions after. Outcomes will include change in depression measured by the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale from baseline to 30 days after the first dose, as well as safety, tolerability, non-motor and motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, cognitive performance, and quality of life, with follow-up continuing for 3 months after the second session.
PsilocybinThis Phase II, single-arm, single-site trial (n=65) will evaluate the efficacy, feasibility and acceptability of psilocybin-assisted group integration therapy for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who have completed psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in one of two primary clinical trials. The study will assess behavioural engagement with integration from enrolment to the primary endpoint at Week 21. Participants will attend 10 weekly 90-minute group sessions, with 4–8 participants per group, facilitated by 1–2 therapists involved in their previous psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. Sessions will use a peer-support format and explore psychoeducational themes to help participants interpret and apply insights from their psilocybin experiences to their depression and everyday lives. Pre- and post-intervention measures, alongside qualitative and quantitative data, will be used to assess outcomes.
Phase II, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial (n=30) of a single 25 mg oral synthetic psilocybin dose given with either standard psychological support or psychological support plus MBCT in adults with PTSD.
PsilocybinThe HOPE Treatment Act took effect and established the Council on Emerging Behavioral Health Treatments. It also created a state framework for participation in multistate ibogaine research and protections for authorised research activities, with emphasis on opioid use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and veterans.
IbogaineOpioid Use Disorder (OUD)PTSDHB 314 took effect, directing the Mississippi State Department of Health to establish an ibogaine drug-development clinical trial programme through a selected consortium. The framework requires matching funds and FDA-coordinated work focused on opioid and substance use disorders and other neurological or mental health conditions.
IbogaineOpioid Use Disorder (OUD)Substance Use Disorders (SUD)SB 379 took effect as a conditional rescheduling measure. It directs the Board of Pharmacy to align state scheduling after FDA approval of a professionally administered psilocybin formulation and corresponding federal rescheduling.
PsilocybinHB 717 took effect, establishing requirements for psychedelic-assisted treatment in licensed medical settings and under physician oversight. The law does not authorise administration of a psychedelic unless it is approved by FDA or otherwise permitted under federal law.
MDMAPsilocybinThis single-arm open-label trial (n=20) will assess the efficacy of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for fibromyalgia patients.
MDMAThis Phase II, randomised, triple‑blind, parallel trial (n=200) will evaluate whether a single 100 mg oral dose of MDMA given adjunctively with massed Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy improves PTSD symptom severity and related neural measures in adults with post‑traumatic stress disorder (age 21–70 years), with the primary outcome being change in Clinician‑Administered PTSD Scale for DSM‑5‑Revised (CAPS‑5‑R) score from baseline to one month post‑treatment. Participants will be randomised to MDMA + massed PE or placebo + massed PE; MDMA is administered as a 100 mg capsule under supervision at Visit 2 of a course of 10 daily PE sessions delivered over two weeks (11 therapy sessions total, including an additional session during Visit 2), and the placebo visually matches the three MDMA capsules (40mg, 40mg, and 20mg). The study will also assess response efficiency and durability of symptom improvement and explore extinction retention and amygdala threat reactivity (neuroimaging), with safety and blinded independent evaluator CAPS‑5‑R assessments at the one‑month post‑treatment follow‑up; the trial is sponsored by Emory University with an anticipated start in January 2026 and completion in January 2030.
MDMAThis secondary analysis and computational modelling study of resting-state fMRI data from a within-subject longitudinal psilocybin trial in psychedelic-naïve healthy volunteers found that fronto-striatal-thalamic circuits became more dynamically active 4 weeks after a full dose. The changes were linked to reduced top-down and increased bottom-up information flow, with receptor maps suggesting roles for 5-HT2A and D2 receptors.
PsilocybinHealthy VolunteersNeuroimaging & Brain MeasuresThis Phase III, randomised, triple-blind, parallel trial (n=172) will evaluate whether psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy can prevent relapse in adults with severe alcohol use disorder (AUD) and depressive symptoms after detoxification. The study will compare two administrations of high-dose psilocybin (25 mg) with two administrations of low-dose psilocybin (3 mg), given 3 weeks apart, with the main aim of reducing relapse over 6 months. Participants must have a confirmed DSM-5 diagnosis of severe AUD and a Beck Depression Inventory-II score of at least 14, with the last drink taken between day -60 and day -10 before inclusion. The primary outcomes are incidence of relapse and time to relapse at 6 months. Eligible adults of any sex will be enrolled at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nîmes, with study start planned for June 2026 and completion expected in June 2030.
PsilocybinThis Phase II, randomised, open-label trial (n=52) will study the safety, tolerability and efficacy of MDMA-assisted therapy in adult veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants will receive oral MDMA as part of therapy in either individual or group settings. The study is a single-centre, fixed-dose, parallel-group design with two experimental arms: individual therapy and group therapy. The MDMA regimen is 120 mg orally followed by a supplemental 60 mg dose, and the main outcomes are safety, tolerability and the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) assessed over 15 months.
MDMARepresentatives Lou Correa and colleagues introduced H.R. 9559, the IBOGAINE Act. The bill would require a federal scheduling review of ibogaine compounds and establish a route for certain psychedelics that complete Phase 3 trials, but it did not itself change scheduling or access.
IbogainePsilocybinMDMA
Week of 22 June
Wellcome awarded GBP 2.5 million for the five-year PATHS project led by the universities of Exeter and Leicester. It will investigate psychedelic use outside healthcare, including patterns of use, adverse outcomes, care pathways and harm reduction.
PsilocybinLSDMDMAThis brain imaging study examined resting-state fMRI from people with major depressive disorder before and after treatment with psilocybin or escitalopram, using computer models to test how the brain responded to artificial perturbations. It found that psilocybin increased brain reconfiguration under perturbation, while escitalopram decreased it, suggesting different effects on brain flexibility and stability.
PsilocybinDepressive DisordersNeuroimaging & Brain MeasuresHelus closed an underwritten offering with gross proceeds of US$50 million. The company said the proceeds would support the Phase 3 HLP003 programme and development of HLP004 and HLP005.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)Anxiety DisordersDefinium sold 23,676,471 shares at US$34 each, including the full underwriters' option, for gross proceeds of about US$805 million. The company said the capital would support development of its lysergide programmes and general corporate purposes.
LSDMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD)Anxiety DisordersPTSDThis secondary analysis of the REAL-ESK study (n=210) examined intranasal esketamine in people with treatment-resistant depression and found that depression scores fell over three months in routine care. Men had slightly better antidepressant outcomes than women overall, while safety and stopping rates were similar between sexes.
EsketamineTreatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)Depressive DisordersThis randomised clinical trial programme included a phase 1 crossover study (n=26) and a phase 2 placebo-controlled trial (n=122) testing oral prolonged-release ketamine for treatment-resistant depression. The oral tablet caused far less dissociation and cardiovascular change than intranasal esketamine, but it did not meet the main depression outcome at day 21, although some short-term symptom improvement was seen after the first dose.
EsketamineKetamineDepressive DisordersTreatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)This brain imaging study (n=28) examined how psilocybin affected several fMRI-based measures of brain entropy in healthy volunteers. Some entropy metrics rose with subjective and objective drug effects, but many did not change and the measures were only weakly related to each other, suggesting they do not capture a single brain process.
PsilocybinNeuroimaging & Brain MeasuresHealthy VolunteersThis randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled crossover trial (n=16) in healthy participants examined acute and delayed brain effects of S-ketamine given intravenously or by mouth. It found sustained changes in cortical excitability and resting-state brain activity lasting up to 7 days, especially after intravenous and high-dose oral dosing.
KetamineHealthy VolunteersNeuroimaging & Brain MeasuresThis qualitative study (n=14) explored how people with methamphetamine use disorder experienced ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and found that it was generally acceptable in a supportive setting. Participants described ketamine as creating a temporary state of reduced emotional and mental reactivity that seemed to help them engage with therapy, but changes in methamphetamine use were variable and depended on ongoing support and motivation.
KetamineSB 43 became law without the governor's signature and created a psychedelic-assisted therapy research initiative in the Department of Health's Office of Behavioral Health. The initiative can use opioid settlement funds to support academic research on ibogaine, psilocybin and MDMA for substance use and treatment-resistant conditions.
IbogainePsilocybinMDMAOpioid Use Disorder (OUD)Substance Use Disorders (SUD)This retrospective registry study (n=176) of adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) at a Vienna outpatient clinic found that supervised intranasal esketamine induction was associated with a marked drop in clinician-rated depressive symptoms, with 27.2% reaching remission and 57.4% responding by the end of induction. Suicidal ideation fell significantly and tolerability was acceptable, with adverse events in 34.7% and few discontinuations.
EsketamineDepressive DisordersTreatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)This rat study examined whether blocking 5-HT2B receptors changes psilocybin’s effects in the forced swim test. In Wistar rats, a 5-HT2B blocker abolished psilocybin’s rapid and lasting antidepressant-like behaviour in the test, but did not affect the head-twitch response linked to psychedelic effects.
PsilocybinDepressive DisordersDefinium said the 100 microgram DT120 orally disintegrating tablet met the primary and key secondary endpoints in the Emerge study. The placebo-adjusted improvement on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale was 8.1 points at week 6 and 7.3 points at week 12.
LSDMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD)The Therapeutic Goods Administration revised its operational guidance for psychiatrists seeking authorisation to prescribe unapproved MDMA or psilocybine. The update clarified prescriber experience, treatment-site standards, two-person therapy teams and psychiatrist oversight while retaining access only for MDMA in post-traumatic stress disorder and psilocybine in treatment-resistant depression.
MDMAPsilocybinPTSDTreatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)Bridging studies establish PK/PD equivalence between SVN-002 OTF and Spravato — required for the 505(b)(2) submission. Successful bridging would allow Phase 2b to begin without a full Phase 1.
EsketamineAlcohol Use Disorder (AUD)First Phase 3 efficacy readout for the DT120 ODT in depression, a large and rapid effect.
LSDMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Week of 15 June
This reanalysis of an RCT (n=53) of adults with ADHD tested repeated low-dose LSD (20 µg) over six weeks and found no broad improvement in attention, inhibition or motivation. The only effect observed was on one measure of temporal processing, and it did not align with improvements in clinical symptoms.
LSDThis reanalysis of a six-week double-blind randomised controlled trial compared psilocybin with escitalopram in adults with moderate-to-severe depression and found sex-specific patterns in response. Women given psilocybin had greater reductions in anxiety, while women given escitalopram had greater reductions in anhedonia; other differences were small and uncertain.
PsilocybinAnxiety DisordersDepressive DisordersThis retrospective observational study (n=3,870) examined telehealth-supported at-home subcutaneous ketamine for adults with moderate to severe depression, anxiety or PTSD and found large reductions in symptom scores over six sessions, with most patients reaching a clinically meaningful improvement. Adverse events were uncommon and no serious complications related to the injections were reported.
KetamineDepressive DisordersMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD)Anxiety DisordersPTSDThis randomised crossover trial (n=45) in healthy adults found that 100 µg LSD improved motor learning the next day and was linked to lower perceived stress and better cognitive flexibility one week later. It also changed EEG and TMS measures of brain activity, but did not alter BDNF levels.
LSDHealthy VolunteersNeuroimaging & Brain MeasuresThis mouse study used single-nucleus RNA sequencing to examine how psilocybin and ketamine change gene expression in the medial frontal cortex over time. It found cell type-specific effects, with psilocybin altering genes linked to synaptic plasticity, metabolism and glial function, and its transcriptional response peaking earlier and later than ketamine’s.
KetaminePsilocybinNeuroimaging & Brain MeasuresThis randomised blinded trial (n=healthy participants) tested low to moderate doses of psilocybin (5 to 20 mg) and found only small, short-lived changes in manual dexterity, with no meaningful disruption to hand movement smoothness, speed or coordination structure. Higher doses caused slight impairment at peak effect and slight improvement later, suggesting psilocybin may be compatible with motor rehabilitation.
PsilocybinHealthy VolunteersThis retrospective multisite study (n=19,071) and updated systematic review of fatalities found that deaths after ibogaine treatment were rare overall and occurred only in people treated for opioid use disorder, with none among non-SUD patients. The review of reported fatalities showed the same pattern, suggesting the mortality risk is concentrated in opioid detoxification rather than other uses.
IbogainePTSDVeteransSubstance Use Disorders (SUD)This brain imaging study compared humans and mice across four datasets and found that MDMA, psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide reduced the strength and bottom-up direction of activity flow within the default mode network. The changes were linked to self-reported psychedelic experiences and were seen in both functional MRI and calcium imaging.
LSDPsilocybinThis analysis of the randomised, open-label Phase IIIb ESCAPE-TRD study (n=676) compared esketamine nasal spray with extended-release quetiapine in treatment-resistant depression, tracking response to Week 32. Most esketamine-treated patients improved continuously, with early response linked to better long-term outcomes, and symptom resolution was greater and earlier than with quetiapine across most rated symptoms.
EsketamineDepressive DisordersThis brain imaging study compared fMRI data from psychedelics, modafinil, propofol anaesthesia and schizophrenia, and found that brain activity could be arranged along a single entropy-based axis of consciousness. Propofol sat at the low-entropy end, while psychedelics and schizophrenia were at the high end, with the pattern not explained by average functional connectivity.
Neuroimaging & Brain MeasuresThis double-blind randomised controlled trial studied brain scans from people with major depressive disorder treated with psilocybin or escitalopram and found that the two treatments caused opposite changes in brain organisation. Baseline brain measures also helped distinguish who responded to each treatment.
PsilocybinMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD)Depressive DisordersNeuroimaging & Brain MeasuresThis observational study (n=90) followed outpatients with treatment-resistant depression starting intranasal esketamine, with and without comorbid borderline personality disorder, and found depressive symptoms improved over six months in both groups. People with borderline personality disorder improved faster at first, while remission rates were similar and no serious adverse events or cognitive decline were seen.
EsketamineKetamineAnxiety DisordersDepressive DisordersReunion appointed Sahil Kirpekar as president, chief executive and a board member with immediate effect, succeeding Greg Mayes. The leadership change occurred as the company advanced luvesilocin in postpartum depression, adjustment disorder and generalised anxiety disorder.
Anxiety Disorders
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