MindMed acquires clinical trial rights and announces new partnership. MindMed (NEO:MMED), announced they have acquired the rights to eight ongoing and complete clinical trials from Dr. Matthias Liechti, a professor and attending physician at the University Hospital Basel, a world leading centre for LSD research. Per the terms of the agreement, Dr. Lietchi will continue to lead the trials at the hospital, while MindMed will provide research funding, and milestone payments. The University Hospital Basel will receive royalties and development revenue on any products marketed through the collaboration.
In the news release, MindMed said they were “particularly interested in the data and outcome” of a high dose LSD treatment for anxiety, currently in phase II clinical trials, as well as their previously announced LSD microdosing study for adult ADHD.
Native American groups are mobilizing against peyote decriminalization. Peyote, a cactus like plant with psychedelic properties, is considered sacred medicine to certain Native Americans. Under US federal law, only members of the Native American Church are allowed to ingest the substance. Now, Native Americans are butting heads with activists who are mainstreaming psychedelics through decriminalization initiatives. The opposition is led by Navajo leader Steven Banally, who is concerned about the already threatened growing environment for peyote, continued access for the 400,000 members of the Native American Church, and the hard fought efforts that their community put in for their peyote rights.
Other Native American leaders disagree with Banally, one saying “It wouldn’t be very humble of us to claim exclusive ownership to peyote and prevent others from using it. It wasn’t just given to us.” Other critics meet the decriminalization activists in the middle, asking them to be more inclusive and consultative with Native American communities.
Scientists are redesigning magic mushrooms to eliminate bad trips. At least that’s what CaamTech, a Washington State based psychedelic research start-up is attempting to do by isolating the fungi compound aeruginascin. This compound is believed to reduce or eliminate the negative experiences of using psilocybin, potentially increasing the adoption of the drug. The bigger picture here is the potential for an “entourage effect” in psychedelics, meaning the combination of all the molecules in the substance contribute to the experience, which opens up the opportunity to add or subtract specific molecules in order to modulate a range of effects.
With travel practically eliminated, is now a good time for a trip? That’s the question Vice ponders, as we’re all locked down at home is this the time right for a psychedelic experience? On the one hand, all the extra time allows for prep, an extended trip and days of comedown and integration, while on the other hand do you really want a global pandemic themed bad trip? It is widely believed that a psychedelic experience comes down to set and setting, creating a safe welcoming environment in your lockdown home is certainly achievable but there’s not much one can do to escape the mindset reality of the immediate and long term effects of covid-19.
An ex-cheerleader is building the Goop for psychedelics. Jackie Stang, launches her psychedelic themed e-commerce store, Delic, next month and is also planning an all about psychedelics wellness summit. She says her goal is to bring more women into psychedelics and move it into the mainstream. The only problem, isn’t Goop already the Goop of psychedelics?
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