Numinus to Partner on Trial with MAPS
Numinus (TSXV: NUMI) is planning to join forces with MAPS Public Benefit Corporation to launch a single-arm, open-label, compassionate access trial using MDMA to treat PTSD. The trial will be the first of its kind in Canada.
Background: MAPS is the world leader in MDMA research. The organization has completed 6 phase 2 trials and currently has several phase 3 trials underway. MAPS has been granted breakthrough therapy designation for their use of MDMA by the FDA.
The Plan:
- MAPS will train Numi’s team of healthcare providers (physicians, therapists and staff) on their clinically tested treatment protocol.
- 20 patients who suffer from PTSD will be treated with MDMA assisted therapy at Numinus’s Vancouver clinic.
- Outcome and safety data will be collected and provided to Health Canada.
Next Steps: The trial will need to be approved by Canadian regulators, after which patients will begin to be enrolled.
The Rest of The Magic
CaamTech is determined to find out what magic lies beyond psilocybin. The Washington State based biotech “aims to fill several gaps in the scientific understanding of the chemical composition of psychedelic psilocybin-containing mushrooms.”
Gaps? What Gaps?
Currently, research into ‘magic mushrooms’ is predominantly centred around the psilocybin molecule. Psilocybin is only one of many tryptamines, a chemical compound thought to act as a neurotransmitter, that can be found in magic mushrooms.
- Understanding the chemical makeup of magic mushrooms will give researchers a better idea of the exact impacts of psilocybin and an idea of the potential usefulness of the chemicals.
Research Partnership
CaamTech is working on this project with The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology in Jena, Germany which will be led by Prof. Dr. Dirk Hoffmeister.
The team will use a process known as metabolic profiling to map the active components of shrooms.
Searching For A Cure
Over 7 million people, not counting impacted loved ones, around the world are afflicted with Parkinson’s disease and there is currently no cure. Silo Pharma (OTCQB: SILO) is investigating if LSD and psilocybin can be used as an effective cure or treatment.
The New Jersey company has entered into an investigator-sponsored study agreement with Maastricht University of the Netherlands. The study will be led by Dr. Kim Kuypers.
Study Plan
The phase 2b study will be conducted with human subjects and will “evaluate the safety and efficacy of psilocybin and LSD on patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease.”
The studies primary objectives are to:
- Investigate the effects of repeated low doses of psilocybin and LSD on well-being and affect (self-rated), emotional and cognitive attention (computer tasks), and biological markers of neuroplasticity.
The secondary objectives are to:
- investigate the effects of repeated low doses of psilocybin and LSD on cognitive performance measures of memory and executive functioning, known to be impaired in Parkinson’s disease (computer tasks) and emotion regulation Parkinson’s symptoms, and biological markers of well-being (immune system, cortisol).
Outlook: This is a very early trial, and by contracting the research out Silo is not building their own internal capabilities. Keep a watchful eye.
A Safe Havn for Veterans
Havn Life (CSE: HAVN) has announced a partnership to work with the Westwood Institute to “develop best practices for combining therapy and psychedelic interventions for veterans.”
Westwood Institute Details
- The institute was founded by Dr. Marvin Westwood, Professor Emeritus of Counselling Psychology, at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Education.
- The veteran focused mental health non-profit is on a mission to work with veterans and empower clinicians around the world with evidence-based interventions and clinical training.
- Group counselling, trauma treatment and emerging therapies are key pillars of the Institute’s approach.
Path Ahead: The company didn’t provide any details of what the partnership will entail past “developing best practices.”
Zoom Out: Focusing on veterans mental health is a common theme for emerging psychedelic companies. Field Trip Health has Basecamp, MAPS has conducted clinical trials with US vets, and veterans have been profiled going to the jungle to be treated with ayahuasca.
What Else We’re Watching
Field Trip Health Ltd. (CSE: FTRP) Reports Second Fiscal Quarter Financial Results: The company announced two new locations and a cash position of $14.0 million.
Ex-NHL enforcer Daniel Carcillo says magic mushrooms saved his life: The two time Stanley Cup champion found himself in a spiral of depression and anxiety until he found shrooms.
George Goldsmith Talks About His Drug for Treating Depression: The CEO of Compass Pathways (NASDAQ: CMPS) answers the key questions about his business.
Nova Mentis (CSE: NOVA) Appoints Dr. Marvin S. Hausman as Chairman of Scientific Advisory Board: Dr. Hausman is the Chief Medical Officer of Pilz Bioscience Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOVA and is leading their research and development efforts in medicinal psychedelics.
