Missouri lawmakers are considering the potential benefits of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in mushrooms, as a treatment for mental disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies have shown promising results, which could potentially address Missouri's high veteran suicide rate. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Missouri had 171 veteran suicides in 2022, with a rate significantly higher than the national average.
https://stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/missouri-lawmakers-look-to-alternative-medicine-to-address-high-veteran-suicide-rate/article_fa5f3a6c-cd22-11ef-9e12-af40d365ad39.htmlHOPE Therapeutics, Inc. is a development-stage healthcare delivery company that aims to develop a network of interventional psychiatry clinics offering ketamine transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and other therapies for patients with suicidal depression and related disorders. The company plans to pair these services with a digital therapeutic-enabled platform designed to enhance the benefits of NMDA-targeted drug therapy. HOPE Therapeutics has partnered with NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutics based on its NMDA platform for central nervous system disorders such as suicidal bipolar depression, chronic pain, and PTSD. NRx is currently developing NRX-101, an FDA-designated Breakthrough Therapy for treatment-resistant bipolar depression and chronic pain, which also has potential as a non-opioid treatment for chronic pain and for complicated UTI. The company has initiated a New Drug Application filing for NRX-100 (IV ketamine) for the treatment of suicidal depression based on results from well-controlled clinical trials conducted by the US National Institutes of Health and French health authorities. Matthew Duffy, Chief Business Officer at NRx Pharmaceuticals and Co-Chief Executive Officer at HOPE Therapeutics, is leading the companies' efforts to develop these innovative treatments.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hope-therapeutics-inc-and-nrx-pharmaceuticals-inc-nasdaqnrxp-announce-dr-jonathan-javitt-and-dr-david-feifel-to-present-keynote-address-beyond-ketamine-monotherapy-combined-interventional-treatment-of-suicidal-depressi-302344042.htmlResearchers at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine conducted two studies examining the effects of psilocybin on individuals with alcohol use disorder. The results showed that psilocybin-assisted therapy led to significant improvements in impulsivity, depression and vulnerability for up to six months after treatment. In a study involving 84 participants, those who received psilocybin therapy demonstrated greater openness and experienced positive emotions, with men showing an increase in positive emotions and women showing increased openness. The researchers noted that these results were observed in controlled therapeutic environments and emphasized the importance of using psilocybin under a doctor's supervision.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/lifestyles/health/psychedelics-may-boost-mental-health-of-people-with-cancer-in-recovery/article_74f0fa6a-312d-50aa-a745-7404b3e77daf.htmlColorado has become the second state to legalize psychedelic therapy, specifically for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions. The law allows licensed businesses and therapists to administer psilocybin, a chemical compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, but it remains illegal in most other states and federally. In Colorado Springs, conservative leaders are restricting the treatment despite objections from some 90,000 veterans who have become advocates for psychedelic therapy. Veterans such as Lane Belone, a special forces veteran, argue that restrictions on "healing centers" will limit access to the treatment and create longer waiting lists. The city council is considering extending the state prohibition on healing centers from 1,000 feet to 1 mile from certain locations, including schools. Some conservative council members, such as Councilmember David Leinweber, have expressed support for greater access to psilocybin therapy despite their opposition to marijuana legalization.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/national_news/psychedelic-therapy-begins-in-colorado-causing-tension-between-conservatives-and-veterans/article_95e5638c-1b1c-5bda-9322-3ed94d12a623.htmlColorado has become the second state to legalize psychedelic therapy, specifically the use of psilocybin, a chemical compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, for therapeutic purposes. The treatment is aimed at treating conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Colorado residents voted to approve the measure in 2022, and rulemaking has been underway since then. This week, companies and individuals can apply for licenses to administer the drug, although it may take several months before treatment becomes available due to the processing of applications. The legalization of psilocybin therapy is causing tension between conservative leaders in Colorado Springs, who are restricting its use, and veterans, who have become advocates for the treatment as a potential solution for PTSD.
https://www.boston25news.com/news/health/psychedelic-therapy/2Q3X5JMT7BBGZJSNRBDWMOVB5Y/