Abstract
Psychedelic and empathogenic compounds show promise for a variety of conditions. However, studying these compounds can be highly complex, be very expensive, and have substantial patient safety concerns. Here, the authors will review 8 late-phase medicinal psychedelic studies in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval pipeline. The authors will include a review of the FDA’s recent denial of the New Drug Application for 3-4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine with adjuvant psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder from Lykos Therapeutics of San Jose, California (formerly the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies Public Benefit Corporation). Additionally, the authors will discuss the parallel legislative proposals in California to legalize psychedelic compounds for adult use. These legislative efforts reflect an alternative and less expensive pathway, but they do not make as thorough of an evaluation for drug safety. The authors will propose that the FDA remains the appropriate agency to evaluate and approve the use of this class of proposed therapeutics.
“Working with learners enhances the work culture and joy of our everyday work. Mentoring the next generation of physicians is an inspiration. We are committed to providing these types of opportunities that may be difficult to find for traditionally under-represented students through our REPRESENT program, and we hope to see many of our scholars working with us as colleagues in the future.” – Dr. Watson
Link to article: https://www.thepermanentejournal.org/doi/10.7812/TPP/24.171
