Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy as a Treatment for Depression

A Pilot Mechanistic Study of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy as a Treatment for Depression

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting an estimated 300 million people. Despite available treatments, response rates remain modest, and treatment resistance is common. Novel treatments are needed that act rapidly, produce lasting effects and work differently than existing antidepressants.

In clinical trials, psilocybin has shown promise as a treatment for depression due to its rapid onset of antidepressant effects and sustained benefits.

This study will use MRI scanning of the brain and other biological measures (biomarkers) to investigate how psilocybin affects brain activity and psychological flexibility before, during, and after receiving psilocybin in participants with depressive symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age > 18 years
2. Participants of childbearing potential must agree to practice 2 forms of effective birth control throughout the duration of the study
3. Females of childbearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test at Screening and prior to dosing on Dosing Day
4. Diagnosis of depression at Screening via the SCID-5-CT interview and MADRS score of ≥7
5. Have an identified support person Agree to be accompanied home (or to an otherwise safe destination) by the support person, or another responsible party, following dosing

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unable to read or understand English

2. Is currently pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed within the study period

3. Has had Electroconvulsive Therapy, Transmagnetic Stimulation, Vagus Nerve Stimulation or Deep Brain Stimulation treatment within the last 12 months

   a. Participants with VNS or DBS devices in place- including devices that are inactive or turned off will not be eligible to participate in the imaging portion of the study

4. Is currently taking a medication on the prohibited medications list, such as heterocyclic (tricyclic, tetracyclic) antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), antipsychotic augmentation therapy, or is taking more than one medication for the treatment of depression:

   1. Participants who are taking a single prescription medication for depression must be on a stable, minimally therapeutic/tolerated dose for at least 4 weeks prior to Screening.
   2. Psychostimulants for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are allowed, if used at a stable dose or pattern for at least 6-weeks prior to Screening and not used on Dosing Day(s).

5. Has a primary psychotic disorder diagnosis

6. Has a first-degree relative with a known history of a psychotic disorder

7. Meets criteria for substance use disorder or diagnosis of substance use disorder within 6 months prior to Screening

8. Has an unstable medical condition or serious abnormalities of complete blood count, chemistries, or ECG, or taking medications that in the opinion of the study clinician would preclude safe participation in the trial

9. Is at risk for hypertensive crisis defined as:

   1. BP at Screening AND Baseline >140/90 mmHG
   2. BP on Dosing Day prior to dosing >140/90 mmHG

10. Has used a serotonergic hallucinogenic substance (e.g., psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), ibogaine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), or other related substances) within 6 months of Screening.

11. Has a known sensitivity to psychedelic medications

12. Has a positive urine drug test including amphetamines, barbiturates, buprenorphine, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methamphetamine (unless prescribed), MDMA, methadone, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP)

13. Is at high risk for suicide (e.g., active suicidal ideation and or current intent or plan) and unable to be managed safely (i.e., unwilling to be hospitalized)