Barrow, ASU launch clinical trial for ibogaine in the US

Barrow and ASU's groundbreaking ibogaine trial

Barrow Neurological Institute and Arizona State University (ASU) are set to initiate one of the first clinical trials of ibogaine in the United States. This study, backed by a $5 million grant from the Arizona Department of Health Services, aims to investigate the compound's potential therapeutic effects on conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction.

Study details and objectives

The trial, which plans to enroll its first participant by 2027, will employ standardized assessments, brain imaging, and laboratory tests to evaluate ibogaine's impact on symptoms and quality of life, as well as its safety profile. The research is a collaborative effort involving ASU's School of Life Sciences and Department of Psychology, with Candace Lewis, an assistant professor, playing a key role.

Regulatory and research context

Ibogaine, a plant-derived psychedelic, is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States, making research challenging. However, the growing interest in psychedelic therapeutics, or neuroplastogens, is prompting new studies. Dr. Holly Lisanby, a co-investigator and founding dean at ASU's John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering, highlights the urgent need for rigorous research into transformative brain health therapies.

Why it matters

This trial represents a significant step forward in the exploration of ibogaine's potential benefits for mental health conditions that are often resistant to conventional treatments. The study could pave the way for new therapeutic options and position Arizona as a leader in psychedelic research. The involvement of prominent researchers like Dr. Anna Burke, the study's principal investigator, and the support from state lawmakers underscore the growing momentum for psychedelic research in the U.S.

Broader implications

The trial is part of a broader trend towards the acceptance and study of psychedelic compounds for mental health treatment. With support from figures like Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and legislative backing in states like Texas, the landscape for psychedelic research is rapidly evolving.

Reporting based on Arizona State University. Read the original: [link].