Category Archives: Psychedelics

If you thought mushrooms were just slimy grey things you put on a pizza, you'regravely mistaken.

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson recently spoke to Merlin Sheldrake on his podcast StarTalk about the immense fungi kingdom. For those unaware, Merlinis a British biologist with a PhD in tropical ecology from Cambridge University and theauthor ofEntangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds, and Shape Our Futures. He documented his book being chowed down uponby a bunch of fungi for a refreshingly creative book launch campaign.

Inevitably, when discussing the wonders of mycology, psychedelic magic mushrooms and psilocybin were brought up. Among the many discussion points, the pairtalk about subjects ranging from whether psilocybin had a significant role in human evolution to the future use of psychoactive mushrooms for the treatment of mental health.

There was also discussion beyond the psychedelics, including whether fungi could seed life elsewhere in the solar systemand the incredible abilities of fungal networks.

Man, I have a whole new respect for mushrooms now, Neil remarked.

Check out the full podcast below:

Receive our biggest science stories to your inbox weekly!

See the article here:

Neil deGrasse Tyson Talks Psychedelic Mushrooms And The Weird World Of Fungi On His Podcast - IFLScience

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Aug. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Bexson Biomedicaltoday announced the launch of its R&D initiative to develop novel subcutaneous formulations of several different psychedelics, empathogen and other psychoactive compounds. The effort applies the company's existing subcutaneous formulation technology to several psychoactive drug scaffolds for the treatment of mental health indications, such as PTSD and depression. The formulations are designed for controlled delivery via Bexson's proprietary subcutaneous infusion pump technology in development with Stevanato Group, a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery and diagnostic solutions.

Controlled subcutaneous delivery of psychedelics and empathogens can offer numerous advantages over other routes of administration, including reduced GI side effects, more consistent bioavailability, and better control over treatment onset and exit. And compared to IV administration, subcutaneous administration can provide reduced cost and increased patient comfort.

"As we developed our BB106 subcutaneous ketamine therapy we realized two things," said Jeffrey Becker, MD, Bexson co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer."First, the wearable patch pump we are developing with Stevanato Group is the ideal platform for controlled release of a controlled substance. Two, Bexson's patented formulation technology could be applied to a vast number of psychedelic and empathogen compounds to improve experience and accessibility, while providing increased safety and dosing precision. As our research has progressed, we have been pleased to find both our formulation and pump technology are highly modular."

Bexson Biomedical has initiated formulation development and stability work on several compounds that represent high-impact targets for the treatment of mental health, addiction and pain disorders. The company is optimizing formulations of compounds such as DMT and mescaline for subcutaneous administration.

In November 2020, Bexson filed five provisional patents, applying its new delivery and formulation technology to several compounds and broad scaffolds with strong potential as new mental health treatments, including tryptamines, phenylethylamines, lysergamides, aminoindanes, benzofurans, arylcyclohexylamines, and cathinones.

Images of Bexson's wearable device can be found here.

Bexson Biomedical, Inc. is a research stage company developing therapies for a variety of pain management, addiction and mental health disorders. The company's lead indication for its BB106 ketamine therapy is acute pain management. Pain following surgery is a$12 billionmarket and a leading cause of opioid abuse and addiction.Bexson is also applying its subcutaneous delivery technology to several psychedelic and empathogen compounds. Visit at: http://www.bexsonbiomedical.com.

SOURCE Bexson Biomedical

https://www.bexsonbiomedical.com

Read this article:

Bexson Biomedical Launches New Project, Applying Subcutaneous Delivery Technology To Multiple Psychedelic Compounds For Therapeutic Use - PRNewswire

Meet Delic, a revolutionary, two-day immersive edutainment experience for the world's leading psychedelic and wellness thought and business leaders will take place at AREA15 in Las Vegas, Nevada, November 6 7, 2021

VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Delic Holdings Inc. ("DELIC" or the "Company") (CSE: DELC) (OTCQB: DELCF), the leading psychedelic wellness platform, today announced that Luke Storey will serve as one of the headline speakers at Meet Delic the world's premiere psychedelic and wellness edutainment event catering to both curious newcomers, business and thought leaders.

Delic Holdings Inc. Logo (CNW Group/Delic Holdings Inc.)

Storey is the creator and host of The Life Stylist, a podcast dedicated to those seeking to live life at the highest level of human potential. The show boasts over 7 million downloads on iTunes and has featured some of the most prominent experts in the fields of health, spirituality, and personal development.

Storey is a motivational speaker, meditation and metaphysics teacher and lifestyle design expert who has dedicated his life to inspiring people to heal and transform with spirituality and biohacking. Storey states, "In a time when the world needs it most, I am excited to contribute to the conversation of how humanity can heal our past and evolve into the future through the ceremonial use of plant medicines and the clinically therapeutic application of psychedelics. The third wave of these incredible medicines is upon us, and Meet Delic is at the forefront of the revolution." Storey's teachings combine primal health, and ancient spiritual practices with the most cutting-edge natural healing, and consciousness expanding technologies. His strategies for healing, happiness, and high-performance living inspire people worldwide to transform their mind, body, and spirit.

"Luke Storey is an inspirational force in the possibility of human potential and an incredible addition to Meet Delic. s," said Delic co-founder, Jackee Stang. "His coaching, life experience and voice are pivotal to sharing the story of psychedelic wellness and we are looking forward to learning more in Las Vegas this November."

Story continues

The experiential event will feature dancers, music, 3D mapping, new technologies and research, thought-provoking presentations and the world's largest psychedelic business expo.

The twenty hours of panels and keynotes will include a broad array of topics such as: "Psychedelics and Sobriety: The Next Frontier in Recovery." "Why Are Psychedelics Medicine?" "Ketamine Clinics Today, Psilocybin and MDMA Therapy Tomorrow," "PTSD Reset and Recovery," "Aphrodisiacs and Psychedelics: A History of Medicine for Love," Microdosing, Psychedelic Activism, "Drug Use for Grown-Ups." Musical and entertainment acts are scheduled both evenings following the panels and expo.

Tickets are now available for the two-day experience. For more information please visit, meetdelic.com. Follow us on @meetdelic on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Tickets available now.

About Meet DelicMeet Delic is the world's premier psychedelic and wellness edutainment event catering to both curious newcomers, businesses and thought leaders. Held in AREA15, an immersive and experiential entertainment complex in the heart of Las Vegas, the exciting two-day event features industry entrepreneurs, consumers, psychonauts and leading voices in research and science. Meet Delic is the largest and most comprehensive event to learn about the intersection of psychedelics, health and wellness and culture, how to start or grow your business, connect with likeminded visionaries, enjoy fun social activities, and experience the acceleration of this worldwide movement.

About Delic Corp.Delic is the leading psychedelic wellness platform, committed to bringing science-backed benefits to all and reframing the psychedelic conversation. The company owns and operates an umbrella of related businesses, including trusted media and e-commerce platforms like Reality Sandwich and Delic Radio, Delic Labs the only licensed entity by Health Canada to exclusively focus on research and development of psilocybin vaporization technology, Meet Delic the premiere psychedelic wellness event, and Ketamine Infusion Centers one of the largest ketamine clinics in the country. DELIC is backed by a team of industry and cannabis veterans and a diverse network, whose mission is to provide education, research, high-quality products, and treatment options to the masses.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information and StatementsThis press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of DELIC's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved".

By identifying such information and statements in this manner, DELIC is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of DELIC to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. In addition, in connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, DELIC has made certain assumptions.

Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

Although DELIC believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and DELIC does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward- looking information and statements attributable to DELIC or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delic-announces-luke-storey-transformation-coach-and-creatorhost-of-thought-provoking-podcast-the-life-stylist-to-speak-at-meet-delic-the-worlds-premiere-psychedelic-and-wellness-event-301353140.html

SOURCE Delic Holdings Inc.

Link:

Delic Announces Luke Storey, Transformation Coach and Creator/Host of Thought-Provoking Podcast, The Life Stylist to Speak at Meet Delic: The World's...

Get instant alerts when news breaks on your stocks. Claim your 1-week free trial to StreetInsider Premium here.

On August 2, 2021, the Dealmaker Podcast posted an interview with Greg McKee, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tryp Therapeutics (CSE: TRYP) (OTCQB: TRYPF). The show, hosted by Oren Klaff, sought to give the audience an understanding of Tryp Therapeutics operations, along with Mr. McKees personal story on how he ended up as the CEO of the company (https://ibn.fm/Puuse). It offered some great insights into the future of the psychedelics space, along with what ordinary people can do to take the industry to the next level.

When discussing what Tryp Therapeutics is all about, Mr. McKee acknowledged the current boom in the psychedelics space and the potential that these substances&

Read More>>

NOTE TO INVESTORS:The latest news and updates relating to TRYPF are available in the companys newsroom at https://ibn.fm/TRYPF

About PsychedelicNewsWire

PsychedelicNewsWire (PNW) is a specialized content distribution company that (1) aggregates and distributes news and information on the latest developments in all aspects and advances of psychedelics and their use, (2) creates PsychedelicNewsBreaks designed to quickly update investors on important industry news, (3) leverages a team of expert editors to enhance press releases for maximum impact, (4) assists companies with the management and optimization of social media across a range of platforms, and (5) delivers unparalleled corporate communication solutions. PNW stays abreast of the latest information and has established a reputation as the go to source for coverage of psychedelics, therapeutics and emerging market opportunities. Our team of seasoned journalists has a proven track record of helping both public and private companies gain traction with a wide audience of investors, consumers, media outlets and the general public by leveraging our expansive dissemination network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets. PNW is committed to delivering improved visibility and brand recognition to companies operating in the emerging markets of psychedelics.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text Groovy to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the PsychedelicNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by PNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with PNW? Ask our Editor

PsychedelicNewsWire (PNW)San Francisco, Californiawww.PsychedelicNewsWire.com415.949.5050 OfficeEditor@PsychedelicWire.com

PsychedelicNewsWire is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

Read the rest here:

Tryp Therapeutics Inc. (CSE: TRYP) (OTCQB: TRYPF) CEO Shares Insights on the Psychedelics Space on The Dealmaker Podcast - StreetInsider.com

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cybin Inc. (NEO:CYBN) (NYSE AMERICAN:CYBN) (Cybin or the Company), a biotechnology company focused on progressing psychedelic therapeutics, announces the unaudited financial results for the three-month period ended June 30, 2021. A copy of the Companys unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and the related managements discussion and analysis for the three month period ended June 30, 2021, can be found under the Companys profile on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at http://www.sec.gov.

Recent Business Highlights:

Doug Drysdale, CEO of Cybin stated, During the past several months, Cybin has garnered a great deal of attention as an emerging leader in the psychedelic therapeutics space. We believe the molecules we have under development may have the potential to transform the treatment landscape and fill current unmet treatment needs for various psychiatric and neurological conditions. We look forward to sharing updates as we advance our pre-clinical and clinical programs and continue the scientific exploration that we believe will ultimately provide safer and more effective treatments for those suffering with mental illness and addiction issues.

Q1 Financial Highlights

About Cybin

Cybin is a leading biotechnology company focused on researching and progressing psychedelic therapeutics by utilizing proprietary drug discovery platforms, innovative drug delivery systems, novel formulation approaches and potential treatment regimens for psychiatric disorders.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release related to the Company are forward-looking statements and are prospective in nature. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as may, should, could, intend, estimate, plan, anticipate, expect, believe or continue, or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the Companys development of innovative drug delivery systems, the Companys expectations of the molecules under development, the development of Mental Health Centers of Excellence for the purpose of facilitating research and development of innovative psychedelic compound-based therapeutics for patients suffering from depression pursuant to the Collaboration Agreement, and the Companys expectations of its digital therapeutics platform.

These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's operations; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; expectations regarding the size of the psychedelics market; the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business objectives; plans for growth; political, social and environmental uncertainties; employee relations; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions in the markets where the Company operates; and the risk factors set out in each of the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the three month period ended June 30, 2021, the Companys annual information form for the year ended March 31, 2021, and the Company's listing statement dated November 9, 2020, which are available under the Company's profile on http://www.sedar.com and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at http://www.sec.gov. Although the forward- looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward- looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Cybin makes no medical, treatment or health benefit claims about Cybins proposed products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada or other similar regulatory authorities have not evaluated claims regarding psilocybin, psychedelic tryptamine, tryptamine derivatives or other psychedelic compounds or nutraceutical products. The efficacy of such products has not been confirmed by approved research. There is no assurance that the use of psilocybin, psychedelic tryptamine, tryptamine derivatives or other psychedelic compounds or nutraceuticals can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Vigorous scientific research and clinical trials are needed. Cybin has not conducted clinical trials for the use of its proposed products. Any references to quality, consistency, efficacy and safety of potential products do not imply that Cybin verified such in clinical trials or that Cybin will complete such trials. If Cybin cannot obtain the approvals or research necessary to commercialize its business, it may have a material adverse effect on Cybins performance and operations.

The Neo Exchange Inc. has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and is not responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the contents herein.

The rest is here:

Cybin Inc. Announces 2021 First Quarter Financial Results and Business Highlights - Business Wire

TORONTO, August 12, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Biomind Labs Inc. ("Biomind Labs" or the "Company") (NEO: BMND), a leading biotech company in fast-acting psychedelics is pleased to announce that it has filed a patent application in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), its 4th patent application.

"As we advance in the development of our proprietary line of novel pharmaceuticals, we have filed a new patent application, enabling us to continue building a robust IP strategy. Our focus on our main pillar, fast-acting psychedelics, resides on two tryptamines, N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-methoxy-N,N- dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), two molecules that have the potential to allow us to cross the barrier of 60 minutes on treatments that require a full psychedelic experience. This aligns with our second pillar - affordability. Patients are everything for us, meaning that our novel pharmaceuticals are being developed for all patients that require an alternative medication to traditional anti-depressants, regardless of income level", said Alejandro Antalich, CEO of Biomind Labs.

The patent application filed in the USPTO relates to Biomind Labs proprietary technology on labeled DMT and an associated method for a personalized treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The method monitors DMT levels in relevant body fluids facilitating the design of personalized treatments, regardless of metabolic, genetic, or environmental factors. Further, it is a novel method that allows the development of DMT based treatments available to the modern psychiatric clinical practice.

About Biomind Labs Inc.Biomind is a biotech research and development company aimed at transforming biomedical sciences knowledge from natural psychotropic plants into novel pharmaceutical drugs and innovative nanotech delivery systems for a variety of psychiatric and neurological conditions. Through its acceleration platform, Biomind is developing novel pharmaceutical formulations of the main natural psychedelic molecules, N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 5-MeO-DMT and mescaline for treating a wide range of therapeutic indications. Biominds focus is to guarantee patients access to affordable and modern-day treatments and use cases. Biomind understands that long-lasting psychedelic effects make it difficult to create adequate clinical protocols to serve a larger number of patients, and this is the reason why Biomind specializes in fast-acting psychedelics.

Story continues

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" ("forward-looking information") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information.

Forward-looking statements in this document include, among others, statements relating to building a robust IP strategy, expectations regarding the potential of the Companys products and methods to alleviate certain mental conditions, the business plans and growth plans of the Company, including but not limited to the development of fast relief treatments that require a full psychedelic experience at an affordable price and other statements that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: (a) the Company may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations which may not be available when needed or on acceptable terms and conditions acceptable; (b) compliance with extensive government regulation; (c) domestic and foreign laws and regulations could adversely affect the Companys business and results of operations; (d) the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and these fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Companys securities, regardless of its operating peers; (e) adverse changes in the public perception of tryptamine-based treatments and psychedelic-based therapies; (f) the impact of COVID-19; and (g) general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained in this press release.

The Company makes no medical, treatment or health benefit claims about the Companys proposed products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada or other similar regulatory authorities have not evaluated claims regarding tryptamine-based treatments, psychedelic-based therapies or other psychedelic compounds. The efficacy of such products has not been confirmed by approved research. There is no assurance that the use of psychedelic tryptamines, tryptamine derivatives or other psychedelic compounds can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Vigorous scientific research and clinical trials are needed. The Company has not completed clinical trials for the use of its proposed products. Any references to quality, consistency, efficacy and safety of potential products do not imply that the Company verified such in clinical trials or that the Company will complete such trials. If the Company cannot obtain the approvals or research necessary to commercialize its business, it may have a material adverse effect on the Companys performance and operations.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210812005045/en/

Contacts

Biomind Labs Inc. Alejandro AntalichChief Executive OfficerEmail: alejandro.antalich@biomindlabs.com

More here:

Biomind Labs Files Patent Application in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Its 4th Patent Application - Yahoo Finance

A new article published in Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy discusses the importance, and challenges, of racial equity within the resurgent field of psychedelic-assisted mental health treatment. The authors express concern about the systemic underrepresentation of minoritized groups in psychedelic research, discussing the ways in which poverty, psychedelic medicalization, and public health contribute to this disparity.

Research has demonstrated promise in the field of psychedelic-assisted mental health treatment for a variety of mental health disorders, including the treatment of depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol dependence, and even cancer-related existential crises. These promising results will likely lead to psychedelic-assisted mental health treatments becoming approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) upon completion of the ongoing clinical trials.

Recently, the first study of its kind focusing on psychedelic use outcomes addressing racial trauma for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) suggested that the naturalistic use of psychedelics or MDMA were associated with significant reductions in traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms related to experiences of racism.

The authors write,

Currently, clinical trials on psychedelics comprise predominately white samples (>80%), therefore lacking generalizability of the findings to communities of color, and calling into question the equity of access to such trials. The authors share,

Some of the systemic reasons for the lack of diversity and underrepresentation of BIPOC participants includes a lack of cultural inclusivity and racial diversity within the research community overall, stigma related to mental disorders, and recruitment methods that fail to emphasize recruitment to BIPOC communities. Additionally, there are larger historic and systemic factors as play, such as the history of racist and unethical research practices which have led to mistrust in biomedical institutions. For example, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, wherein Black men were deceived regarding their diagnosis and deprived appropriate treatment over the course of decades. Another high-profile case was that of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cells were taken without her consent while undergoing cancer treatment at John Hopkins Hospital in 1951. With these injustices, and many more, it is clear why many BIPOC might be disinterested in participating in such studies today.

An additional barrier to BIPOC participation lies in economic inequities. These trials are often time-intensive, and largely funded by non-profits that do not provide financial incentive for participation. Therefore, it is unrealistic to recruit individuals from lower socioeconomic status backgrounds who may be unable to take time away from work and family responsibilities, without compensation. With the median net worth of Black and Hispanic families being less than 15% that of white families, BIPOC face substantial barriers to research participation in psychedelic trials due to economic inequity.

While increasing diversity among psychedelic research remains a fundamental goal, it is important to note that these treatments will not solve all health disparities. The social determinants of health still hold a far greater impact than an individual-focused treatment approach, and dismantling systemic racism and social inequities remains of utmost importance. Further, should psychedelics reach FDA approval status, these treatments will almost certainly be expensive, difficult to access, and most easily available to those most economically well off.

Indigenous forms of healing have been utilizing psychedelics for centuries, and it is important that the medical adoption of psychedelics in the West not become yet another discovery of America by colonizing forces. Further, wealthy and predominately white investors have greatly profited off the rapid commercialization of formerly illegal substances for which many BIPOC have faced criminal penalties.

The recent decriminalization of cannabis in many states across the US is a relevant example of this, and the research community has a responsibility to make sure that promising psychedelic therapies are equally effective and accessible to communities of color.

In closing, the authors share:

****

Thrul, J., & Garcia-Romeu, A. (2021). Whitewashing psychedelics: Racial equity in the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted mental health research and treatment. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, 28(3), 211214. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2021.1897331 (Link)

Read more:

Researchers Concerned About Whitewashing of Psychedelic-Assisted Mental Health Research - Mad In America - James Moore

Cybin (NYSE: CYBN), a biotech company in the psychedelics space, began listing its stock on the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday.

The company is the first in the sector to enter the NYSE, following a trend of five psychedelics companies to debut on the Nasdaq since the beginning of the year.

This validation by the NYSE is incredibly humbling, said CEO Doug Drysdale in an exclusive interview with Benzinga. He added that the listing provides a real opportunity for increased awareness as well as for growing the companys shareholder base, especially among retail investors.

Cybin is developing a pipeline of novel psychedelic molecules for the treatment of diverse mental health indications, including a proprietary formulation of psilocybin (the active ingredient in so-called magic mushrooms), currently in phase 2 clinical trials.

Always Nice To Be First

While the Nasdaq has so far been the only major U.S. exchange to receive companies from the psychedelics sector, Drysdale said the NYSE felt like a more natural fit for his company, as many of its partners are already listed there.

It's always nice to be first doing something, but that's not really the reason we chose the New York Stock Exchange, he said.

The CEO added that the exchange is eager to welcome more drug development and technology companies among its lists.

Cybin will continue to offer its shares in Canada through the NEO Exchange, and uplist its U.S. OTC shares (currently under the symbol 'OTCQB: CLXPF') to the NYSE American.

Cybins Flagship Program At A Glance

Cybin is laser-focused on drug development, leaving other lines of business within the psychedelics ecosystem to other players in the space.

We have several programs underway, and a lot of milestones coming up, Drysdale said

The companys flagship program is a proprietary delivery method for psilocybin, in the form of a sublingual film called CYB001, which is targeting major depressive disorder.

Story continues

In May, Cybin received approval to launch a phase 2a clinical trial that will test the company's formulation against a 25mg psilocybin capsule on 40 patients.

The concept behind the film is that it's loaded with [psilocybin] and is placed under the tongue, where it's in touch with the sublingual membranes above and below. The goal with this is to deliver psilocybin very quickly, right into the bloodstream and quickly to the site of action without having to go through the guts, without having to go through the liver, Drysdale explained.

If successful, the research will continue in a Phase 2b trial on 120 patients, where the safety and efficacy of the product will be assessed.

With the sublingual film, the company is hoping to see a rapid onset of action and possibly a shorter duration because bypassing the liver means using far less active substances to achieve the same effects.

This thesis will be tested in the Phase 2a trial, which should output its result by the end of the year.

Cybin is not the first nor the only company in the psychedelics space to launch clinical development on psilocybin for depression. Both Compass Pathways (NASDAQ: CMPS) and nonprofit Usona Institute have ongoing phase 2 trials testing psilocybin for this indication, though theyre using an orally administered version.

If Cybin can prove that its formulation offers improved benefits against orally administered capsules, the product could gain a competitive edge against other psilocybin options even though it is lacking the first-mover advantage.

These are large markets that we're working in. Depression, anxiety and alcohol use disorder, theyre very large markets with huge unmet needs. Maybe seven or eight hundred million people globally are impacted by these, says Drysdale.

Novel Psychedelics For Alcohol-Use Disorder And Anxiety

The company also has other molecules in the works, which are currently in late-stage preclinical trials. CYB003 and CYB004 are proprietary psychedelic molecules aimed at alcohol-use disorder and anxiety disorders, respectively.

The molecules are currently being studied in large animal models.

With these molecules, the company was able to take existing serotonergic psychedelics, and alter their duration of action without modifying either receptor binding or toxicology profiles.

We've modified them through dueteration. So we've switched out some of the hydrogen atoms for deuterium. And the reason we've done that, is weve taken really, really short-acting tryptamines that last maybe 10 or 15 minutes, we've made them a little bit more tolerable, forty five minutes to an hour.

While the chemistry of these molecules has not been released, based on their description, we can speculate that the initial molecules used in the development of these novel compounds were either DMT or 5-MeO-DMT.

The company hopes to see something that fits in with a regular clinic treatment paradigm, longer than DMT, but shorter than orally administered psilocybin.

The CEO expects CYB003 to begin clinical trials for alcohol use disorder around the first quarter of next year, and CYB004 in the second quarter.

Cybins Financials

On Tuesday, the company closed an overnight public offering of approximately 10 million shares, which raised CA$34 million ($27 million). To date, Cybin has raised over $95 million and has a market cap of $477 million.

On its last earnings call, Cybin announced cash and cash equivalents totaling CA$64 million ($51 million) as of March 31, 2021. While the current cash position is not available, it is estimated that the company holds south of $78 million minus operational spendings since late March.

The CEO said the company is very well capitalized for many years into the future.

While Cybin already held a strong balance sheet before the last offering, Drysdale said that drug development takes a long time and its expensive, thus the need to be well-capitalized and hold a strong balance sheet becomes obvious.

I've learned from my past that you take capital when you're able to and not wait until the last minute when you need it. So, we certainly didn't need capital at this time, but we knew we would need more at some point.

Although the last raise meant issuing more stock, Drysdale said it was well-received by existing shareholders, who saw share prices double from $1.43 on June 1 to $3.02 at market close on Wednesday.

Partnering To Improve Research

Cybin boasts several strategic partnerships meant to improve its drug discovery process.

Though Drysdale says the company has no plans to build brick-and-mortar psychedelics-therapy clinics, he recognizes the need for a clinical infrastructure to advance psychedelic drug research.

When I look at the pathway to market, and not just commercial distribution in the future, but all the steps along the way that we have to take to develop these drugs through phase 2 and phase 3 studies, that requires a pretty significant clinical infrastructure. It requires investigators and therapists and physicians and locations that are all experienced and knowledgeable of psychedelics.

With an exclusive research and development agreement with Greenbrook TMS Inc. (TSX: GTMS) (NASDAQ: GBNH), a company that operates 129 outpatient mental health service centers in the United States, Cybin has the potential to access an extensive patient base to advance clinical research on its compounds while facilitating the recruitment of participants for upcoming trials.

The goal with Greenbrook initially is to create a few centers of excellence where we can tap into their vast knowledge of delivery of care in depression. We can bring in our 'Embark'

psychotherapy program with trained therapists, and then we can set up these pilot clinics that are models for future studies and future distribution.

A partnership with Kernel, a brain imaging company, will allow Cybin to gain a better understanding of the brain under the influence of psychedelics.

Kernel has developed a wearable device called Kernel Flow, which offers a non-invasive brain interface.

This is really the first time that anyone's been able to miniaturize this kind of neuroimaging technology. And our hope is that we can be able to see real-time brain activity during this psychedelic treatment session. And maybe from that, we can learn about how to better target these molecules in the future.

Cybin is also co-sponsoring a clinical trial, in partnership with the University of Washington in Seattle, that will test the benefits of psilocybin treatment in health workers experiencing COVID-related distress.

Photo: Chokniti Khongchum from Pexels

See more from Benzinga

2021 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Go here to read the rest:

Cybin Becomes First Psychedelics Company On The NYSE: CEO Explains Everything You Need To Know - Yahoo Finance

The psychedelics space is booming.

Over the past year, startups focused on turning psychedelic compounds into approved medicineshave raised hundreds of millions of dollars from private investors and dozens have gone public.

Research on compounds like psilocybin, the active compound found in magic mushrooms, and MDMA is resurfacing after years of neglect amid the war on drugs.

Venture-capital investors have been at the center of the psychedelics boom. In early 2020, startups in the space said they were beginning to see signs that investor appetitewas growing.

Then, we saw a flurry of activity, which one industry exec called a "psychedelic renaissance."

Soon, VC firms focused on psychedelics companies specifically began to emerge. Insider's list of the top 11 venture-capital investors in the space collectively deployed $139.8 million into startups in just a few short years.

They also gave us their predictions for the coming months. Some told us that biotech giants were looking to get into the space, while others predicted a boom in tech companies and clinics that would lay the groundwork for when medications come to market. We can also expect to see new compounds and a slew of startup failures, they said.

Read more:

Meet the top 11 VCs who've bet the most cash on turning MDMA and magic mushrooms into medical treatments

Top VCs in psychedelics say Big Pharma is knocking at the door and it could fuel a wave of deals

Top psychedelics VCs predict a tech boom and a rise of clinics over the next year

Top VCs predict new compounds and impending failures will shape the future of the psychedelics industry

ATAI Life Sciences CEO Florian Brand. ATAI Life Sciences

A slew of companies have entered the psychedelics industry, but a few stand out as frontrunners.

In February 2020, Atai CEO Florian Brand said that he was turning to pharma and biotech investors as the company looked to further grow. At the time, Atai was a private company that made headlines for winning over backers like Mike Novogratz and Peter Thiel.

In March of this year, the company raised a record $157 million, pushing psychedelics further into the mainstream.

Meanwhile, change has been bubbling on the state and local levels. In November, Oregon legalized psilocybin for therapeutic purposes but that doesn't mean you'll see the giants rush in.

The biggest companies in the space told Insider they were focused on seeking approval for their experimental substances from the Food and Drug Administration. Atai founder Christian Angermayer said recently that while he personally supports decriminalization, he thinks legalizing psychedelics could create a backlash for the industry.

Compass Pathways CEO George Goldsmith told Insider soon after the company's IPO last fall that he expects treatments to come on the market by 2025. Atai's Brand said there are challenges to address between now and when treatments become widely available, such as scalability and reimbursement.

Read more:

The CEO of a $1.2 billion psychedelics company told us he expects psilocybin-based treatments by 2025 and predicts a 'Cambrian explosion' of innovation in the industry

The founder of the biggest psychedelics company says legalizing magic mushrooms risks creating a backlash that could undermine the industry

The CEO of the biggest psychedelics company lays out the 3 challenges he has to address before treatments hit the market

The first page of Compass Pathway's 2019 pitch deck. Compass Pathways

Drug development takes a lot of capital, and startups are focused on getting the funding they need.

Insider got ahold of three pitch decks that companies used to raise tens of millions of dollars. Beckley Psytech raised $18.6 million in December to develop a slew of new treatments focused on rare diseases and mental health.

Compass Pathways raised $80 million from investors like Founders Fund in 2019, fueling its rise to the top.

Meanwhile, startups focused on clinics, where psychedelic treatments are expected to be administered, are raising capital too. Novamind raised $7.8 million with this pitch deck.

Psilocybin found in magic mushrooms is a type of psychedelic Alexander Volkov/Getty Images

Another way to get access to capital is to go public, and there are now dozens of psychedelics companies in the US and Canada.

We broke down the 7 companies with the biggest market caps and laid out their business models, drug pipelines, and timeline to get treatments to market.

Read more:

What to know about the major public psychedelics companies, including a guide to their business models and when they expect to sell medications

See the pitch deck a psychedelics startup just used to raise $18.6 million to develop new treatments derived from the Sonoran Desert toad

See the 20-slide pitch deck a psychedelics startup used to raise funds to build out a network of ketamine clinics

See the pitch deck that Compass Pathways used to raise $80 million and fuel its rise into one of the world's biggest psychedelics companies

A look at a legal psychedelic retreat hosted by The Synthesis Institute The Synthesis Institute

Private startups are still a core part of the space.

Earlier this year, we published a list of the psychdelic startups that raised the most cash in 2020. The 14 names on that list raised over $222 million.

We recently asked the biggest investors in the space to name two top startups in the industry one they had invested in and one in which they hadn't and came back with 15 names.

Read more:

Meet the top 14 psychedelics startups raising the most cash to develop new ways of treating depression, addiction, and more

VCs name the top 15 startups in the psychedelics industry

DMT research at Imperial College London Thomas Angus, Imperial College London

Meanwhile, it's not just investors and companies that are building out the foundation for what could become a $100 billion market.

Academics have continued to publish promising studies on the benefits of psychedelic compounds.

Wealthy philanthropists are responsible for the rush of funding entering academia as prestigious universities set up psychedelic research centers. One scientist told us that as psychedelic research has emerged from the fringes, donors have begun to catch the "psychedelic bug."

"What psychedelics seems to do is, when it grabs you, you really seem to get it," he said.

Lawyers and analysts are also wading into the space. As a slew of companies began to go public, analysts at investment banks began to cover the industry. Lawyers originally focused on cannabis clients also took the plunge.

Amid all this growth, a key battle over the role of patents in the psychedelics space has been brewing, as companies race to protect their intellectual property and longtime advocates in the space work to protect information that they say belongs in the public domain.

Read more:

A Canadian investment bank that capitalized on the cannabis rush is now looking toward a new market. Meet the first analyst covering the burgeoning psychedelics industry.

Cannabis lawyers are wading into the psychedelics industry as companies push forward with mega-deals and medical trials to win a slice of the $100 billion market

Wealthy donors are fueling a psychedelics renaissance as universities vie for funding to study 'magic mushrooms' and MDMA

A landmark study shows the main compound in magic mushrooms could rival a leading depression drug

Experts share how a brewing fight could shape the future of the $100 billion psychedelics industry

Go here to see the original:

Guide to the psychedelics industry: Companies, investors, science - Business Insider

As a wave of psychedelics decriminalization measures sweeps across the country, three new jurisdictions are joining the list of possible places where the use and possession of small amounts of psychedelic drugs could soon become a low-level law enforcement priority.

Most psychedelics continue to be classified as Scheduled I substances under federal law. However, a number of U.S. jurisdictions have already reduced penalties on natural psychedelics such as psilocybin mushrooms and ayahuasca, allowing for a de facto circulation of these substances.

New Cities Could Soon Join The Psychedelics Decriminalization Trend

Marijuana Moment reported that Easthampton, Massachusetts; Grand Rapids, Michigan and Arcata, California are currently exploring avenues to reduce criminal penalties for psychedelics use.

All three jurisdictions share borders with other cities that have already passed decriminalization resolutions, including Oakland and Santa Cruz in California, Ann Arbor, Michigan as well as three Boston suburbs in Massachusetts.

In Grand Rapids, a city commissioner told a local newspaper that theres likely enough support among Grand Rapids elected officials to decriminalize the use, possession, growing and gifting of psychoactive plants and fungi.

The commissioner, Kurt Reppart, said he expects a resolution to be introduced and likely approved this fall.

In Easthampton, three city councilors are sponsoring a resolution that could decriminalize a host of psychedelic substances as did neighboring Northampton in April of this year.

In California, the state assembly is waiting to vote on a measure that could reduce penalties for possession, personal use and social sharing of certain natural and synthetic psychoactive drugs.

Meanwhile, the city council of Arcata in Northern California, will vote on a resolution to remove penalties on natural psychedelics this coming August 18.

Benzinga photo.

See more from Benzinga

2021 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Visit link:

Three Additional Cities Across The Country Are Considering Decriminalizing Psychedelics - Yahoo Finance