Barrow Neurological Institute secures $5M for ibogaine TBI trial

Barrow Neurological Institute secures funding for ibogaine trial

Barrow Neurological Institute has been granted $5 million by the Arizona Department of Health Services to conduct a clinical trial exploring ibogaine's potential in treating traumatic brain injury (TBI). This trial, set to commence in 2027, aims to investigate the effects of ibogaine on neurological disorders, particularly focusing on TBI.

Study details and collaboration

The phase 1/2 clinical trial will be led by a multidisciplinary team at Barrow, in collaboration with the Barrow Neuro Analytics Center and researchers from Arizona State University. Susan Criswell, Barrow's chief medical officer for clinical research and a co-investigator, emphasized the need for new therapies, noting that about half of TBI patients experience incomplete recovery or persistent symptoms after six months.

What the study found

The trial will be a double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 40 participants with chronic TBI symptoms. In this setup, neither the participants nor the researchers will know who receives ibogaine or a placebo. The study will employ standardized assessments to evaluate ibogaine's efficacy in alleviating TBI symptoms and improving quality of life. Participants will also undergo tests to identify any physical changes linked to symptom improvement.

Why it matters

Michael T. Lawton, president and CEO of Barrow, highlighted the trial's significance in advancing understanding of brain function and exploring new treatments for PTSD and TBI. The research could potentially open new avenues in psychedelic medicine, offering insights into how the mind perceives the world and how pharmacology can influence brain function.

The trial's findings could significantly impact treatment approaches for TBI, a condition affecting many individuals with long-term consequences. By exploring ibogaine's effects, the study may contribute to developing innovative therapies for neurological disorders.

Closing context

The trial represents a significant step in psychedelic research, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional neurology and emerging treatment modalities.