The Potential Development of Safer Psychedelics for Mental Health Treatment

The need for safer psychedelics

Psychedelics may be effective for mental health conditions by helping the brain to form new connections, a process called neuroplasticity.^[2] However, they have a long list of side effects and potential health risks. While many of these side effects, such as nausea, sweating, and headaches, are temporary and not harmful to long-term health, there are more significant risks to be aware of.^[3]

They can cause impaired judgment, which could lead to dangerous situations, and can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure, which can cause cardiovascular problems. The need for safer psychedelics is essential for them to become a main part of mental health treatment.

New psychedelic compounds: Innovations for safer therapies

Several biotechnology companies are leading the way in the development of next-generation psychedelics, aiming to revolutionize mental health treatment. These innovative companies are working to create compounds that maintain the therapeutic benefits of traditional psychedelics while being safer and more practical for clinical use.

Beckley Psytech, a biopharmaceutical company, has developed a new psychedelic compound called BPL-003, which is a synthetic formulation of Mebofotenin (a psychedelic found in a variety of plants). ^[4] This study showed that a single dose of BPL-003 caused 55% of participants to have a rapid antidepressant effect the day after dosing. ^[4] There were also no serious adverse effects reported. These results are very encouraging, and further research on BPL-003 is underway, including its effect when used alongside traditional antidepressant medication.

Atai Life Sciences is also a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company aiming to accelerate the development of effective mental health treatment. ^[5] They have also developed another new psychedelic called EMP-01, which is very similar in structure to MDMA (also known as ecstasy). ^[6] Initial research is promising, with less intense psychedelic effects and a better safety profile than MDMA, while maintaining the therapeutic benefit. It is hoped this could be beneficial for the treatment of different mental health conditions.

There are several other biotechnology companies actively doing research in this area, such as MindMed and Compass Pathways. MindMed is focusing on LSD-based treatments for anxiety, while Compass Pathways has made substantial progress with psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression.

Together, these companies are bringing real hope that safe and effective psychedelic treatments could be seen a lot more in the coming years.

The science behind psychedelics as a treatment

Research has shown that psychedelics affect the brain, causing a process called neuroplasticity. ^[7] This allows the brain to change and develop new connections, which can help lead to positive impacts such as improved mood and reduced anxiety. Current research suggests this plasticity occurs on many levels, affecting the molecules and cells in the brain, and gene expression. ^[7] The amount of neuroplasticity varies depending on dosage and timing, but even a single dose of psychedelics has been shown to rapidly increase neuroplasticity.

Psychedelics in addiction treatment

People with substance use disorders have the highest levels of unmet medical needs of all mental health conditions, so psychedelic treatment could be a real breakthrough for addiction recovery. ^[8] Lots of research has been done in this area over the years, some of which have shown psychedelic treatment to be effective. ^[9] The side effects of traditional psychedelics have been a stumbling block to their use, highlighting the need for further research. Also, recreational users of psychedelics may find them less effective for treatment for addiction and other mental health conditions.

Current challenges in the development of psychedelics

Several challenges need to be overcome before psychedelics will be seen in mainstream treatment. The first major hurdle is the ongoing need for research. More large randomized controlled trials are needed to demonstrate that psychedelics are effective and safe for use. These types of trials are essential, but also expensive and time-consuming.

Next, there’s the huge amount of regulatory hurdles to get through, including getting FDA approval, which is a difficult process in itself. On top of this, biotechnology companies have to overcome the legal issues surrounding psychedelics, alongside safety considerations, quality control, and ongoing monitoring of those on their treatment. As this is a new treatment, these factors will be under extra scrutiny from regulatory boards.

Another major challenge is the public perception. Psychedelics were made illegal in the United States in 1970 by the Controlled Substances Act, so to many the thought of using them as a medical treatment is difficult to understand. While public opinion towards psychedelics is shifting, some people will always see them as illegal drugs.

Conclusion: The promise of a new generation of psychedelics

While there is still research to do, there is some careful optimism that psychedelics could transform mental health and addiction treatment in the coming years. As a third of people with major depression are resistant to treatment, something new is needed. Traditional psychedelics have many possible side effects, but the newer compounds being developed by biotechnology companies aim to reduce these while still harnessing all the benefits from neuroplasticity.

If the new generation of psychedelics can be effective without adverse effects, they could be the new key player in the medical treatment of mental health conditions.