MindMed Benefits From Psychedelic Drugs

One of the greatest benefits of a psychedelic drug is its mind-enhancing qualities. In fact, it’s no wonder that so many people are eager to try these drugs. As a result, there are a number of different options available to individuals. However, if you’re interested in trying one of these compounds, there are some things that you’ll want to know about before you dive into the process.

Psychedelic drug development startup

Psychedelic drug development startup MindMed is preparing to launch its clinical training program in partnership with New York University (NYU) Langone Medical Center. It plans to train the next generation of mental health professionals to use psychedelics to treat mental disorders.

The company is working on a drug candidate derived from ibogaine, a West African psychedelic, that does not exhibit hallucinogenic properties. They plan to deploy it to patients in a regulated manner.

One of MindMed’s major investors is Kevin O’Leary, the Shark Tank host and founder of Canopy Growth. Another investor is Bruce Linton, the architect of the world’s largest cannabis grower.

LSD tartrate

Several new studies have investigated the potential benefits of psychedelic drugs. One of the most exciting findings is that psilocybin, the active ingredient in LSD, can help manage chronic pain. A recent study published in the journal Biological Psychiatry cites this finding.

Psychedelics can be used to treat anxiety, depression, autism, pain and opioid use disorder. The US alone has about one-fifth of its adult population diagnosed with a mental health disorder. And with the rising costs of mental health care, there is a growing need for treatments.

MindMed, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, is developing a series of novel drug candidates to address brain-based disorders. Its lead product is a pharmaceutically optimized form of LSD.

MDMA-like substances

MDMA (ecstasy) has been shown to bolster social behavior and to facilitate extinction of fear memories in mice. These effects have been attributed to its binding to presynaptic serotonin transporters, which induces the release of serotonin. In addition, MDMA has been shown to attenuate amygdalar BOLD activity during negative emotional stimuli. It is believed that this may play a role in the therapeutic efficacy of the drug.

To test the safety and efficacy of MDMA assisted therapy for patients with severe PTSD, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 clinical trial was conducted. The treatment arm of the study consisted of a single, divided dose of 80-180 mg of MDMA and a supplemental half-dose of 60 mg. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 allocation to receive the therapy or a placebo.

Phase 2b study

MindMed’s phase 2b study of their pharmaceutically optimized form of LSD is a multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The study is designed to test the efficacy and safety of MM-120, a proprietary LSD compound.

The main goal of the trial is to determine how much MM-120 reduces the amount of anxiety experienced by patients who receive it over the course of twelve weeks. MindMed’s research team is also using the compound to investigate how it might be used in other types of therapies, including the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder.

While it is not yet clear how MM-120 will perform, the study will provide some much needed proof of concept. A dose optimization trial will follow, as well as a dose-trial to test the effects of MM-120 on a larger patient population.

MM-110

Mind Medicine (MindMed) (NASDAQ: MND) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development of innovative therapies to treat brain disorders, including pain, anxiety, addiction, and autism spectrum disorders. The company has three lead product candidates: MM-120 for generalized anxiety disorder, MM-402 for core symptoms of autism, and MM-110 for opioid use disorder.

MM-120, the Company’s lead drug candidate, is a pharmaceutically optimized form of lysergide, a psychedelic compound. It has demonstrated long-lasting symptomatic relief in the clinical setting.

Mind Medicine’s MM-110 program is also in clinical development, demonstrating positive safety and tolerability data. MM-110, an alpha-3-beta-4 nicotinic receptor antagonist, was well tolerated at doses of up to 500 mg per day.

Psychedelic-assisted therapies

MindMed is a company developing psychedelic-assisted therapies. It has a particular focus on neurology and psychiatry, as well as pain disorders. The firm has raised over $25 million in venture capital in recent months.

The company has been collaborating with New York University (NYU) since 2009, with a specific focus on ibogaine-derived molecule 18-MC. Recently, MindMed initiated a Phase 2b clinical trial on MM-120.

A recently published study examining MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults shows that the drug helped to reduce symptoms of the dissociative subtype of PTSD. However, it did not have a significant effect on age, sex, race, or disability.