Barrow Neurological Institute secures $5M for ibogaine brain injury trial

Barrow Neurological Institute receives $5M for ibogaine trial

Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix has been awarded a $5 million grant from the Arizona Department of Health Services to conduct the first U.S. clinical trial using ibogaine to treat traumatic brain injuries. The trial is slated to begin in 2027, following extensive preparatory work, including brain imaging studies on participants before and after treatment, according to KTAR News 92.3 FM.

Study details and methodology

The trial, led by Dr. Anna Burke, a neuropsychiatrist at Barrow, will explore ibogaine's potential in addressing long-term effects of neurological injuries. Dr. Susan Criswell, Barrow's chief medical officer for clinical research, noted that many individuals with traumatic brain injuries face incomplete recovery or persistent symptoms, such as cognitive deficits and mental health issues, even six months post-injury. The study will use a synthesized form of ibogaine administered in pill form, with participants undergoing MRI and EEG scans before and after treatment. The trial will monitor 40 participants over a five-year period in a double-blind, placebo-controlled setup.

Funding and legislative background

The $5 million funding stems from Arizona's House Bill 2871, introduced by Rep. Justin Wilmeth and passed as part of the state's fiscal year 2026 budget. Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema supported the bill and pledged to raise matching private funds, a requirement for the grant. Arizona joins Texas as one of the first states to publicly fund ibogaine trials, as noted by the Reason Foundation.

Regulatory and safety considerations

Ibogaine remains a Schedule I controlled substance under U.S. federal law, necessitating FDA and DEA approvals for clinical trials. This status has historically driven U.S. veterans to seek ibogaine treatments abroad. International studies have shown ibogaine's potential benefits for PTSD and cognitive function, but cardiac risks, such as QTc interval prolongation, remain a significant concern. Barrow's protocol includes stringent monitoring to mitigate these risks.

Why it matters

This trial represents a significant step in psychedelic research, potentially offering new treatment avenues for traumatic brain injuries, which result in over 214,000 hospitalizations and nearly 69,000 deaths annually in the U.S., according to the CDC. Arizona's investment in ibogaine research reflects a growing interest in exploring psychedelic compounds for medical use, despite regulatory hurdles.

Barrow's trial, pending regulatory approvals, aims to contribute valuable data on ibogaine's efficacy and safety in a controlled setting.