Shortwave Life SciencesAQSE: PSY
Shortwave Life Sciences is a UK-listed biopharmaceutical company developing a proprietary psilocybin and beta-carboline buccal film formulation for the treatment of anorexia nervosa. The mucoadhesive film delivery system enables improved bioavailability and rapid onset by bypassing first-pass metabolism, and the company has secured an investigator-initiated Phase 2 clinical trial agreement with Sheba Medical Center in Israel — targeting a condition with no FDA-approved pharmacological treatment.
Development Programmes
1Psilocybin + Beta-Carboline Buccal Film
PsilocybinAnorexia nervosa
Programme Tracker
Eating Disorders
Preclinical safety completed; Phase 2 investigator-initiated feasibility study approved by Israeli MOH at Sheba Medical Center; preparing for recruitment; buccal film fully developed
Milestones
Company milestone
CompletedActual: Jul 1, 2022
Clinical trial agreement signed with Sheba Research Fund and Sheba Center for Eating Disorders for investigator-initiated feasibility study
Why it matters: Sheba Medical Center is Israel's largest hospital and a leading eating disorders research center. The investigator-initiated structure means Sheba sponsors the trial while Shortwave provides drug product and retains commercial rights.
Company milestone
CompletedActual: Jul 1, 2024
PCT patent claims validated for novel mucoadhesive buccal film (novel, non-obvious, industrially applicable)
Why it matters: Patent validation protects the buccal delivery platform. The film combines psilocybin with a beta-carboline (reversible MAO-A inhibitor) to extend psychedelic duration by slowing psilocin metabolism — similar to the ayahuasca mechanism. Buccal delivery also bypasses first-pass metabolism for higher bioavailability.
preclinical-data
CompletedActual: Sep 1, 2024
Positive preclinical safety results: 3 dose groups in rats with no adverse effects observed
Why it matters: Clean preclinical safety profile supports progression to human dosing in the Sheba feasibility study.
Funding milestone
CompletedActual: Jul 1, 2025
Raised GBP 290,000 via private and strategic placements (GBP 40K in June + GBP 250K in July 2025)
Why it matters: Very small raise indicates micro-cap status (AQSE-listed as PSY). Sufficient to fund the Israeli feasibility study but not a larger clinical programme.
Company milestone
CompletedActual: Dec 4, 2025
Dr Nadya Lisovoder presented feasibility study design at PSYCH Symposium
Why it matters: Academic presentation builds credibility and KOL engagement ahead of participant recruitment at Sheba.
Watch next: Feasibility study first patient enrolled; safety and efficacy data from Sheba
Recorded Events
Dec 4, 2025: Company milestone
Jul 1, 2025: Funding milestone
Sep 1, 2024: preclinical-data
Jul 1, 2024: Company milestone
Jul 1, 2022: Company milestone
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public Biotech
- Ticker
- AQSE: PSY
- Lead Stage
- Pre-clinical
- Website
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