Category Archives: Psychedelics

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CB Therapeutics today announces the appointments of Dr. Stephen Wright and Dr. Brian Barnett to its newly formed Medical Advisory Board.

Dr. Wright has more than 30 years of experience in medicines development, having worked on both sides of the Atlantic in large and small pharmaceutical companies. He was Chief Medical Officer and a Main Board Director of GW Pharmaceuticals from 2004 up to the company's successful listing on NASDAQ and the development of Epidiolex, which is now heading for blockbuster status. He is currently Senior Medical Adviser to Compass Pathways. Dr. Wright has a Master's degree in Social and Political Science from the University of Cambridge and is qualified in Medicine (MB BS) at The Royal London Hospital. His other higher degrees include an MD from The University of Cambridge and a Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and was elected to Fellow of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine in 2000. In addition, he holds a diploma in Pharmaceutical Business Management from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania.

"I believe that the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids has not yet been fully explored and am excited by the innovative approach that CB Therapeutics is taking to the production of novel cannabinoids in particular," said Wright. "This should allow for the investigation of the value of novel cannabinoids in so far unexplored areas of high unmet medical need and avoid some of the pitfalls associated with other production methods. It is a privilege to be working with CB Therapeutics."

Dr. Barnett is co-Director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Interventional Psychiatry. He and his team treat patients who have not responded to standard psychiatric treatments with both established and innovative modalities such as intravenous ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Dr. Barnett's research covers a wide range of topics, including catatonia, the efficacy of ketamine in treatment-resistant depression, and psychiatry's relationship with emerging psychedelic-assisted therapies. Dr. Barnett also writes about psychiatry for the public, and his works have been published in national publications such as STAT, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and HuffPost.

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"I look forward to collaborating with CB Therapeutics in the development of innovative psychedelic treatments for patients with mental health conditions and addictions who have been failed by existing interventions," said Barnett.

About CB Therapeutics

CB Therapeutics produces high-value molecules, compounds, and rare ingredients from simple sugars utilizing yeast and the process of fermentation. CB Therapeutics' expertise in synthetic genomics and bio-engineering has significantly advanced its proprietary production platform of microorganisms, enzymes, and production processes. After more than four years of research and development, the CB Therapeutics team can produce a broad range of phytochemicals faster, utilizing fewer resources, at greater yields, and with more purity, consistency, and efficiency than competing platforms. Its 16,000 sq. ft. fully-licensed commercial batch facility in southern California includes research labs, advanced bioreactor systems production facility with off-gas analysis, and coupling to analytical equipment (HPLC, LC-MS) for streamlined process development and cost-effective fermentations. In addition to this, the new facility also includes an extensive suite of micro-scale, bench-top, and large-scale bioreactor systems to optimize the production of a broad range of fermentation-based production applications.

Contact Information

Media Contact:Alana ArmstrongAlan Aldous Communications Inc.Email: alana@alanaldous.com

Partnership Inquiries:Sher Ali ButtCEO, CB TherapeuticsEmail: sher@cbthera.com

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Two esteemed doctors join CB Therapeutics in its exploration of innovative approaches to the production of novel psychedelics and cannabinoids so...

Thanks to Covid-19, this years travel landscape has been rocked with more ups and downs than a rollercoaster ride. But with travel finally taking off again (fingers crossed!), its time we looked ahead to a brand new year.

With so much lost time to make up for, the travel scene looks set to soar in interesting ways from alternative wellness retreats to revenge travel to nomadic work arrangements . Heres our peek into what lies ahead for travel trends in 2022.

Youve heard of revenge procrastination and revenge spending now get ready for revenge travel. The pandemic has taken its toll in years of zero vacation time and countless missed celebrations anniversaries, birthdays, honeymoons and now its payback time.

Experts are predicting travellers urge to splurge post-pandemic, whether its plumping for room upgrades, luxe packages, or dining experiences. Expedia has dubbed this the Greatest of All Trips (aka GOAT) mindset, with their Travel Trends 2022 survey reporting that nearly three-quarters of Singaporeans planned to splash out big on their next trip.

Forget mini getaways close to home the future belongs to long-haul, extended trips. What with all the fuss of PCR testing and form-filling, weekend jaunts will become more of a hassle than a relaxing escape. Many workers are also facing a backlog of leave to clear, and taking a long holiday is just the ticket.

After staying grounded for so long, theres no denying the thrill of jet setting to a far-flung destination Tripadvisors Seasonal Travel Index for end-2021 reveals that London, Paris, and Munich top the wishlist for Singapore travellers.

Wellness getaways have become pretty much synonymous with yoga and spa pampering, but for folks seeking spiritual healing, alternative trends are on the rise. Were talking ayahuasca and magic mushroom retreats retreats that center around journeys of self-discovery and therapy through plant-based psychedelics . Post-pandemic stress, a dose of spiritual wellness is likely to become more sought after than ever.

With mainstream views on psychedelics shifting to understand their therapeutic potential, demand for such retreats has mushroomed in recent years. Sometimes dubbed the shroom boom, the trend looks set only to grow according to Data Bridge Market Research, the psychedelic market is projected to soar from USD2 billion (S$2.7 billion)in 2019 to USD6.9 billion by 2027.

Hotspots for psychedelic retreats include Costa Rica, the Netherlands, and Peru, where participants can typically take part in meditation, yoga, and other programs amidst lush nature.

ALSO READ:Post-pandemic travel: What will travel look like in 2022?

Working from a beach might once have been only thinkable for freelancers, but the pandemic has fast-tracked the rise of the digital nomad.

Months of lockdowns and work-from-home arrangements have shown us that many types of work dont really need an office or facetime to get the job done and wed all be better off for it. For both employees and bosses, a mindset shift is happening the idea of roaming the world while working remotely is now within our reach.

Businesses havent been slow to jump on the trend either. Blueground, a startup that rents out fully furnished apartments in 15 cities across the world, recently launched the Blueground Pass.

This pass gives digital nomads the freedom to hop between their 4,000-strong collection of apartments, all under only one master lease. Meanwhile, Hiltonis capitalizing on the workcation trend by rolling out work-from-hotel packages, tailored toward those mixing business and pleasure.

Eco-awareness has sprouted up over the last decade, and green travel is set to remain strong in post-pandemic times. One encouraging sign of this is a recent surveyby travel technology giant Amadeus, which found that a whopping two-thirds of travellers across the globe view sustainable travel as a priority.

This plays out in a penchant for venturing off the beaten track. Travellers are eschewing big cities for wilderness destinations and rural villages, exploring safaris and nature resorts, and seeking out farm-to-table dining experiences.

The pristine Galpagos Islands, for one, has seen an exponential rise in backpackers for its rich wildlife snorkeling with sea lions, anyone? Meanwhile, hotels and resorts are taking the lead in cutting down on single-use plastics, turning to organic toiletries and bedding, and investing in composting systems.

Once upon a time, the worst mishap we had to worry about was lost luggage or plane delays. These days, pandemic-shaped worries lurk round every corner: medical costs, quarantine woes, and trip cancellations, all of which can rack up hefty bills when they strike.

With new strains of Covid-19 on the rise, lets just say our travel anxiety isnt going away anytime soon. That means travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage is no longer an extra frill its set to become an essential safety net.

This article was first published in City Nomads.

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Revenge travel and psychedelic retreats: The travel trends taking flight in 2022 - AsiaOne

- Expands intellectual property portfolio and strengthens position as leading innovator in developing putative psychedelic compounds -

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cybin Inc. ( NEO:CYBN) ( NYSE American:CYBN) ( Cybin or the Company), a biopharmaceutical company focused on progressing Psychedelics to Therapeutics TM today announced that it has been awarded a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for patent application No. 17/394,038 related to CYB004, the Companys investigational deuterated psychedelic tryptamine compound for the potential treatment of anxiety disorders. The allowed claims include other forms of deuterated psychedelic tryptamine, notably certain deuterated forms of DMT and 5-MeO-DMT. The patent, which is expected to expire in 2041 before consideration of any patent term extensions, covers composition of matter for the CYB004 drug substance as a putative new chemical entity.

The receipt of this Notice of Allowance from the USPTO represents an important milestone in expanding our intellectual property portfolio progressing psychedelics to therapeutics for the countless patients in need, and strongly demonstrates the Companys dedication to the discovery and development of differentiated psychedelic-based compounds for addressing mental health, said Doug Drysdale, Chief Executive Officer of Cybin. Once issued, this patent may have the opportunity to cover a broad range of claims supporting our IP in psychedelic medicine and further strengthen our emerging best-in-class position in this evolving industry.

According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental illnesses in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults, or approximately 18% of the population every year1. Despite the availability of many prescription medicines, these treatments are not equally efficacious in all patients with up to 50% of patients with general anxiety disorder failing to respond to first line treatments2. Current standardized treatments for anxiety disorders also require chronic administration of medicines that have a long time to onset and present several potential side effects including weight gain, gastrointestinal disturbances, sexual dysfunction and withdrawal symptoms.

CYB004 is a proprietary deuterated psychedelic tryptamine that has the potential to effectively treat anxiety disorders without the well-known side effects of the current treatment landscape, concluded Drysdale.

Cybin continues to pursue multiple opportunities to secure and support its patent position for research and development evaluating deuterated tryptamines for future psychedelic-based treatments for mental illnesses.

About Cybin Cybin is a leading ethical biopharmaceutical company, working with a network of world-class partners and internationally recognized scientists, on a mission to create safe and effective therapeutics for patients to address a multitude of mental health issues. Headquartered in Canada and founded in 2019, Cybin is operational in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland. The Company is focused on progressing Psychedelics to Therapeutics by engineering proprietary drug discovery platforms, innovative drug delivery systems, novel formulation approaches and treatment regimens for mental health disorders. Patent filings described herein are held by Cybin IRL Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cybin.

Cautionary Notes and Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking information. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including, without limitation, statements regarding Cybins future, strategy, plans, objectives, goals and targets, and any statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words believe, expect, aim, intend, plan, continue, will, may, would, anticipate, estimate, forecast, predict, project, seek, should or similar expressions or the negative thereof, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the Companys proprietary drug discovery platforms, innovative drug delivery systems, novel formulation approaches and treatment regimens to potentially treat psychiatric disorders.

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 Companys 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 the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the period ended September 30, 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. 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 can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Rigorous 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.

Neither the Neo Exchange Inc. nor the NYSE American LLC stock exchange have approved or disapproved the contents of this news release and are not responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the contents herein.

1)

Bandelow B, Michaelis S. Epidemiology of anxiety disorders in the 21st century. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2015;17(3):327-335. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2015.17.3/bbandelow

2)

Ansara ED. Management of treatment-resistant generalized anxiety disorder. Ment Health Clin. 2020;10(6):326-334. Published 2020 Nov 5. doi:10.9740/mhc.2020.11.326

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Cybin Awarded Notice of Allowance from US Patent and Trademark Office for CYB004 (Deuterated Psychedelic Tryptamine) for the Treatment of Anxiety...

Australia's medicines regulator has rejected a call to legalise psychedelic drugs for use in mental health settings.

The Theraputic Goods Administration (TGA) has rejected an application to amend current poisons regulations to allow for psilocybin also known as magic mushrooms and MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) to be used in medically controlled environments.

Following research findings here and abroad, the application soughtto have the drugs used as part of psychotherapy treatment for mental illnesses,depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

TGA's decision means the drugs will not be downscaled from Schedule 9 drugs, which are prohibited substances, to Schedule 8 drugs which are controlled substances.

The TGA's stance is the same as its earlier interim decision.

"I am satisfied that psilocybin poses a high danger for both acute and long-term effects if abused or misused by way of access outside of strictly controlled medical and scientific research settings," the author of the final decision, who is not named, said.

"Given this increased risk to individuals of acute and long-term effects, a high level of control across the supply chain commensurate with Schedule 9 is warranted."

Earlier this year, an expert panel review commissioned by the TGA found that psychedelics could possibly be used to manage treatment-resistant mental illnesses in closely supervised medical settings.

"I agree with the committee that the preliminary findings from clinical trials although still in early phases evaluated by the panel are promising," the decision's author said.

"However, given the extent and issues with the quality of the completed studies detailed by the panel, I reiterate my statement in my interim decision that I consider that evidence is still emerging, and the therapeutic value of psilocybin has not been established.

A trial to help terminally ill patients confront their "terror" through the use of a psychedelic compound is the kind of treatment advocates had hoped would become more widely available, before yesterday's rejection from the drug regulator.

"I am of the view that ensuring administration of psilocybin according to the strict protocols used in clinical trials that have showed promise of efficacy to date would be hard to achieve outside a clinical trial framework."

On the use of MDMA in clinical settings, the TGA's decision outlined similar concerns to those it had about psilocybin.

"I consider that the benefits of MDMA have not been fully established, although there is emerging evidence in treating PTSD, with [a] demonstrated low risk of adverse events in controlled settings," the decision said.

"I am concerned with how, in accordance with the qualification included in the expert report's conclusion about the promise of MDMA in highly selected populations, namely the controlled clinical trial environment, can be replicated in real-world settings.

"I have considered the impacts on public health, were access to MDMA to be increased through an entry in Schedule 8 of the Poisons Standard I am of the view that there would be an increased risk of misuse by individuals outside of a highly controlled environment or diversion for illicit purposes."

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TGA blocks bid to have MDMA, magic mushrooms used to treat mental health conditions - ABC News

Delivering LSD via microneedle patch unlocks potential for desired dosage forms and pharmacokinetic profiles for improved safety and effectiveness

Pursuing Phase 2 clinical studies in 2022 with LSD and notable psychedelics

TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. (the Company or PharmaTher) (OTCQB: PHRRF) (CSE: PHRM), a clinical-stage psychedelics biotech company, is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed its first research study evaluating MicroDose-MN, a proprietary microneedle (MN) patch for the intradermal delivery of psychedelics, in delivering lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). These results provide support to file for an IND application with the FDA to conduct Phase 2 clinical studies in 2022 with LSD for various indications.

The aim of PharmaThers research program was to develop a suitable prototype of MicroDose-MN patch for transdermal (intradermal) drug delivery to confirm compatibility and suitability to deliver LSD. The research program scope included, full characterization of LSD conjugated on the microneedle patch backbone, establishment and demonstration of the loading capacity for LSD, and release rate evaluations for the LSD conjugated materials using appropriate models that will be used to support the Companys IND application with the FDA in the future.

The Companys research program with LSD conjugated microneedles have been successfully fabricated, optimized, and characterized. Both structural aspects and ex-vivo skin insertion assessments of the LSD conjugated microneedles have demonstrated successful fabrication and acceptable performance. The incorporation of LSD into microneedles without issue and the ability to demonstrate complete ex vivo skin model release over several days demonstrates potential for larger doses and modified release profiles. With these results, the Company believes it has an acceptable prototype for completing IND-enabling studies with the aim to conduct clinical studies in 2022. Details of the research program will be published in a scientific journal.

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The Company believes that its MicroDose-MN patch for delivering LSD and other psychedelics may enable flexible drug load capacity and combinations, controlled released delivery, and be able to present desired pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. In addition, the MicroDose-MN patch for psychedelics aims to empower patients to dose their medication remotely, safely and conveniently rather than under supervision by a healthcare provider at a certified medical office or hospital. To achieve this, the Company will incorporate anti-tampering and anti-abuse features that would parallel the approach used for the tamper-resistant transdermal fentanyl patch.

The Company is completing its evaluation of MicroDose-MN with 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) and N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and expects to provide results before the end of this year and pursue clinical studies in 2022.

The Company is actively engaged in partnering discussions for the use of its microneedle patch system to deliver psychedelics including, but not limited to, MDMA, LSD, DMT, ibogaine and mescaline. As such, PharmaTher offers potential partners a differentiated and validated delivery system for psychedelics, desired pharmacokinetic profiles, intellectual property protection, cGMP microneedle patches for IND-enabling and clinical studies, and a clear clinical pathway towards clinical studies in 2022.

About PharmaTher Holdings Ltd.

PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. (OTCQB: PHRRF) (CSE: PHRM) is a clinical-stage psychedelics biotech company focused on the research, development and commercialization of novel uses, formulations and delivery methods of psychedelics, such as ketamine, to treat mental health, neurological and pain disorders. PharmaTher is currently advancing an FDA approved phase 2 clinical study with ketamine to treat Parkinsons disease and is developing a novel microneedle patch for the intradermal delivery of psychedelics and infectious disease treatments.Learn more at: PharmaTher.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For more business development opportunities or information about PharmaTher, please contact:

Fabio ChianelliChief Executive OfficerPharmaTher Holdings Ltd.Tel: 1-888-846-3171Email: info@pharmather.com Website: http://www.pharmather.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement

This press release contains 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "potential", "aim", may and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. (the "Company") current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company at the date of the information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof, and Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in Company's management's discussion and analysis for the period of August 31, 2021 ("MD&A"), dated October 27, 2021, which is available on the Company's profile at http://www.sedar.com.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state, province, territory or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state, province, territory or jurisdiction.

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PharmaTher Announces Positive Research Results for LSD Microneedle Patch - Yahoo Finance

According to a group of physicians in Scotland, MDMA could be used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) "within three years."

Doctor and psychotherapist James Hawkins wants medics to join up for training to examine how MDMA may assist manage mental illnesses.

Read this next: We went undercover in a Chinese MDMA factory

Hawkins, who treats patients with other psychedelics such as psilocybin, believes that studies demonstrate MDMA is extremely cost-effective.

In 2018, 76% of the 28 involved in a Phase Two trial undertaken in Colorado didn't meet the clinical diagnostic criteria of PTSD 12 months after receiving treatment.

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies in California commissioned MDMA-assisted therapy research, which found that 67% of patients in the MDMA group no longer qualified for a PTSD diagnosis two months following treatment, compared to 32% in the placebo group.

Hawkins, who practises in Edinburgh and helped form the UK's Psychedelics Health Professionals Network, is afraid that therapy will be available before enough trained doctors are ready to provide it.

It is likely MDMA will be licensed for therapy in three years. There will be a big need for this in Scotland. But, who will be administering it?

Read this next: Scientists are recommending MDMA for treating mental health after lockdown

"I see us being able to do this and let professionals have an experience of psychedelics, he said.

"Psychedelic drugs still arent really part of the medical curriculum, other than in the context of these are harmful class A substances.

"Psychedelic-assisted therapy could save society billions in terms of reduced contact with mental health services, reduced presentations at A&E, less prescribing, regaining of lost productivity and improved physical health as a result of improved mental health".

Read this next: Molly: Everything but the girl

He hopes that his organisation, which is working to get charity status, will be able to assist.

Dr Jake Hawthorn, a psychiatrist in southeast Scotland who is interested in utilising psychedelics to treat addiction, believes that conventional medicine is recognising the need for new methods of treatment.

He said: "MDMA is expected to be licensed in the US in 2023. I think well follow within a couple of years, starting with psilocybin, maybe 2025.

"If doctors are keen to work with psychedelics, it could be highly beneficial for them to have experience of what the psychedelic entails."

[Via: The Times]

Aneesa Ahmed is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter

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MDMA could soon be used to treat PTSD according to physicians - Mixmag

-Mr. Barrow previously served as interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Development Officer of MindMed

-Carol Vallone appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors, Andreas Krebs appointed as Vice Chair and Perry Dellelce transitions from his role as Chairman-

NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 2021 /CNW/ -- Mind Medicine (MindMed) Inc. (NASDAQ: MNMD), (NEO: MMED), (DE: MMQ) (the "Company"), a leading biotech company developing psychedelic-inspired therapies, today announced that Robert Barrow was appointed as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Barrow previously served as interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Development Officer of MindMed and brings strategic expertise and deep industry insight to his role.

Mindmed logo (PRNewsfoto/Mind Medicine, Inc. (Mindmed))

Mr. Barrow commented, "I am delighted to join MindMed's Board of Directors and look forward to building on the progress to date alongside our outstanding executive leadership team, all while advancing the Company into the future. This is an exciting time for MindMed, and my immediate priority will be to leverage the necessary resources to advance our clinical development programs. In parallel, our team will continue to explore new opportunities that expand MindMed's pipelinebringing forward novel therapies and executing on our mission to deliver on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for the many patients in need."

Mr. Perry Dellelce has stepped down from his role as Director and Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors, effective immediately. With the departure of Mr. Dellelce, the Board has appointed Ms. Carol Vallone to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors and Mr. Andreas Krebs to serve as Vice Chair.

Mr. Dellelce added, "It has been a tremendous honor to serve on MindMed's Board of Directors, and I am incredibly proud of everything our team has accomplished. Rob, Carol and Andreas' diverse backgrounds across the biotech and healthcare industries will be invaluable as MindMed continues its efforts to transform mental health treatment. I have the greatest confidence in the leadership team's ability to maximize the value of our platform and successfully lead MindMed through this next phase of continued growth."

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Ms. Vallone added, "Since MindMed's inception, Perry has played a pivotal role in the Company's evolution to become a leader in the psychedelic sector. I, along with the entire Board and executive team, wish to formally acknowledge and thank him for his guidance, vision and significant contributions. As we enter this inflection point and execute on our path forward, we are thrilled to name Rob as our permanent CEO, whose strategic agility, strong leadership and impressive track record makes him exceptionally well qualified."

Robert Barrow is an accomplished pharmaceutical executive with over a decade of experience leading organizations and drug development programs in a variety of disease areas. Mr. Barrow is a recognized leader in the psychedelic industry, in which he has played a central role in the design and execution of several successful regulatory and drug development strategies. Mr. Barrow previously served as the head of drug development & discovery at Usona Institute, where he led research and development efforts for Usona's psychedelic drug candidates and was responsible for obtaining Breakthrough Therapy Designation for psilocybin in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. Prior to his tenure at Usona, Mr. Barrow served as Chief Operating Officer and a Director of Olatec Therapeutics, where he oversaw the execution of numerous early and late-stage clinical trials in the fields of analgesics, rheumatology, immunology and cardiovascular disease. Mr. Barrow has also served as a technical and strategic advisor to numerous large and small pharmaceutical companies developing novel central nervous system therapeutics and has been an invited speaker at multiple industry and scientific presentations. Mr. Barrow holds a M.S. in Pharmacology from The Ohio State University and a B.S. from Wake Forest University, where he graduated summa cum laude.

Carol Vallone is an esteemed executive and corporate board director, with a strong track record in launching, scaling and selling global companies. Currently, she serves as Board Director, Chair of Compensation Committee, and Member of Audit/Finance Committee at MindMed. She also serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees at McLean Hospital, the #1 ranked freestanding psychiatric hospital and largest psychiatric affiliate of Harvard Medical School, as well as the board of trustees at MGH Institute of Health Professions and on the finance committee at Mass General Brigham. Additionally, Ms. Vallone serves as a board member for the publicly traded Cresco Labs, and for a Bain Capital Double Impact portfolio company, Arosa. She is also an Advisory Director for the investment firm, Berkshire Partners, and an Advisory Board Member of the healthcare-focused venture growth firm, Longitude Capital. In addition, Ms. Vallone has served as founder & CEO of global e-learning companies, held management positions in leading corporate technology companies and served on the boards of a public financial services and private e-commerce organization.

Andreas Krebs is an internationally experienced executive, entrepreneur and best-selling author ("The Illusion of Invincibility"). He heads the family-owned investment company Longfield Invest (Langenfeld/Germany), which focuses on growth companies in various industries as well as in the new economy. He has worked in seven countries, in Latin America, Asia and Canada and as President and Executive Board Member of Wyeth Corporation in the United States. Andreas Krebs was Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Shareholder Council of Merz Pharma, Frankfurt am Main, Germany from 2010 to 2019, is currently a member of the Supervisory Board of the European eye clinic group Veonet (Nordic Capital Group) and holds other board positions across various sectors. Furthermore, he serves as Chairman of the private non-governmental organization, Frderverein Girassol eV, which supports children and young people from socially difficult backgrounds in So Paulo, Brazil.

About MindMedMindMed is a clinical-stage psychedelic medicine biotech company that seeks to discover, develop and deploy psychedelic-inspired medicines and therapies to address addiction and mental illness. The Company is assembling a compelling drug development pipeline of innovative treatments based on psychedelic substances including psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, DMT and an ibogaine derivative, 18-MC. The MindMed executive team brings extensive biopharmaceutical experience to MindMed's approach to developing the next generation of psychedelic-inspired medicines and therapies.

MindMed trades on the NASDAQ under the symbol MNMD and on the Canadian NEO Exchange under the symbol MMED. MindMed is also traded in Germany under the symbol MMQ.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release related to the Company constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws and are prospective in nature. Forward-looking information is 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 "will", "may", "should", "could", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "potential" or "continue", or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking information in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the ability to execute on our business strategy, expand our pipeline and achieve growth. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the Company. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information, including history of negative cash flows; limited operating history; incurrence of future losses; availability of additional capital; lack of product revenue; compliance with laws and regulations; difficulty associated with research and development; risks associated with clinical trials or studies; heightened regulatory scrutiny; early stage product development; clinical trial risks; regulatory approval processes; novelty of the psychedelic inspired medicines industry; as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to herein and the risks described under the headings "Risk Factors" in the Company's filings with the securities regulatory authorities in all provinces and territories of Canada which are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at http://www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update this forward-looking information.

For Media: media@mindmed.co

For Investors: ir@mindmed.co

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SOURCE Mind Medicine (MindMed) Inc.

Cision

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MindMed Appoints Robert Barrow as Chief Executive Officer and Director - Yahoo Finance

CHICAGO and TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wesana Health Holdings Inc. (Wesana or the Company) (CSE: WESA; OTCQB: WSNAF), a data-driven life sciences company, is pleased to announce receipt of a commercial viability analysis conducted by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) which validated and will expedite Wesanas partnership talks with Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC). The parties will move forward with the negotiation of their definitive agreement to study the use of MDMA-assisted therapy to treat symptoms associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

This analysis brings us one step closer to partnering with Wesana to conduct research into the potential of MDMA-assisted therapy in the underserved TBI population, said MAPS Executive Director, Rick Doblin, Ph.D. This market analysis makes the case even more compelling for our partnership.

Daniel Carcillo, CEO of Wesana Health added, The receipt of favorable results in the MAPS-commissioned BCG report is a critical milestone in what will be the first-of-its-kind collaboration between MAPS and Wesana, facilitating our definitive agreement conversations regarding MDMA-assisted therapy for TBI symptoms.

The BCG report forecasts a continuing favorable environment for this collaboration. Should a definitive agreement be entered into, it is expected to accelerate the parties research timelines and provide additional support to MAPS for further investigation, advocacy, education, and equitable access to MDMA-assisted therapy for TBI symptoms.

Carcillo continued, With the overall reported cost of TBI in the range of ~$76.5 billion annually in the US according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the market is ready for a new solution. We remain committed to this important work as we move toward our goal of MDMA-assisted therapy for TBI symptoms and would be thrilled to deliver meaningful help to victims, families, friends and communities whose lives have been impacted by TBI.

About Wesana HealthWesanaHealthhelps people transcend barriers in mental health and performance.We innovate in care development through our therapies and proprietaryprotocols, and in care delivery through activating a new multidisciplinary, technology-supported clinical model. Learn more atwww.wesanahealth.com

ABOUTMAPS

Founded in 1986, MAPS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana. MAPS is sponsoring the most advanced psychedelic therapy research in the world: Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Since its founding, MAPS has raised over $130 million for psychedelic and marijuana research and education and has earned both the Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparencyand a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator.

ABOUTMAPS PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION

MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC) catalyzes healing and well-being through psychedelic drug development, therapist training programs, and sales of prescription psychedelics while prioritizing public benefit above profit. Founded in 2014, MAPS PBC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws with respect to the Company, including the completion and timing of entering into a partnership with MAPS and information concerning the expected benefits thereof; and any other statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future plans, intentions, levels of activity, results, financial position, operational or financial performance or achievements. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, will, projects, or believes or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events, results or conditions may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Except for statements of historical fact, information contained herein constitutes forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management at the date the statements are made.

The formation of a partnership between the Company and MAPS remains at a preliminary stage. Certain assumptions that influence successfully forming such a partnership include: (i) the ability of the Company to successfully negotiate and enter into definitive documentation in respect of the contemplated partnership with MAPS and satisfy any related conditions precedent; and (ii) the ability of the Company to raise sufficient additional capital to be able to fund such potential partnership with MAPS.

Other general assumptions include, operating conditions remaining favorable, including sustained availability of third-party service providers and other inputs for the Companys operations; sustained political and regulatory stability; and sustained stability in capital goods markets.

While the Company considers the foregoing assumptions to be reasonable, the assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, social, political, regulatory, competitive, and other risks and uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that could cause actual performance, achievements, actions, events, results or conditions to be materially different from those projected in the forward-looking information. Many assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Company and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct.

Furthermore, such forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual performance, achievements, actions, events, results, or conditions of the Company to be materially different from any future performance, achievements, actions, events, results or conditions expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: inability to negotiate, settle, enter into or execute upon a definitive partnership arrangement with MAPS; inability to raise sufficient additional capital to fund such potential partnership with MAPS; research and development of drugs targeting the central nervous system being particularly difficult; competition from other biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies; maintaining and enhancing reputation and brand recognition; ability to protect intellectual property; requirements to share intellectual property with service providers; negative operating cash flow and going concern; the detrimental impact of future losses and negative cash flow from operations; unfavorable publicity or consumer perception; not achieving publicly announced milestones; psychedelic inspired drugs possibly never being approved as medicines; reliance on the capabilities and experience of key executives and scientists; disruptions due to acquisitions or collaborations; COVID-19; litigation; conflicts of interest; limited operating history; exposure to the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates; enforcement of judgments and effecting service of process on directors and officers; general economic, market and business conditions, and other risks factors including those found in the Companys managements discussion and analysis for the three- and nine-months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 and the Companys annual information form dated September 3, 2021 filed on the Companys profile on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com and discussed in the Companys other public filings available on SEDAR.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is provided and made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information other than as required by applicable law.

For more information, please contact:

Investor Contact:Keenan GentryEmail: IR@wesanahealth.comPhone: 773-236-7972

Media Contacts:Nick Opich / Fallon CarterKCSA Strategic CommunicationsEmail: Wesana@kcsa.comPhone: 212-896-1206

On behalf of the Board of Directors:Daniel Carcillo, Chief Executive OfficerPhone: 773-236-7972

Read more here:

MAPS and Wesana Health Resume Negotiations - GlobeNewswire

I worry I know too much about Will Smith. I know that he drew up a list of beautiful women he wanted to invite into his own personal harem, and that Halle Berry was one of them. I know that he and his wife, the actor Jada Pinkett Smith, were at one point so miserable together that they decided to have an open relationship, and that Pinkett Smith had a brief fling with a rapper named August Alsina. I know that Smith once contemplated pushing his wheelchair-bound father down the stairs as retaliation for the abuse he enacted on his mother as a child. Off the top of my head, I dont know when Smith had his last bowel movement, but I imagine its easy to find out if I did a quick Google search.

For the past few years and ever since Pinkett Smith launched her confessional, hot-button-pushing Facebook chat show Red Table Talk the Smith family have been our most foremost celebrity truth-tellers, answering probing and deeply personal questions that no one was especially asking. Pinkett Smith has revealed that her husband doesnt always know how to sexually satisfy her, has discussed the success of her non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation, her former addictions to alcohol, ecstasy, cannabis, sex and pornography, and how she absolutely isnt a Scientologist.

Smith, meanwhile, has confessed the following: that he was deeply jealous of his wifes friendship with the late Tupac Shakur; that he once went too method and fell madly in love with his one-time co-star Stockard Channing; and that he had a midlife crisis leading to weeks of solitude, international travel and experimentation with ayahuasca. In the trailer for Smiths forthcoming YouTube docuseries, which chronicles his weight gain and subsequent health and exercise journey, he reveals he once considered suicide.

Such openness stems, at least according to Pinkett Smith, from a healthy place. She told NPR in 2019 that after working substantially on her marriage and her own mental health she came to believe that healing can only come with total frankness. I just realised that in part of my growth, the women and the people who had the courage to be very transparent with me with certain aspects of their journey really, really helped my journey tremendously, she said. I was like: why dont we talk about this more often? Why is it such a secret of what people go through?

But in a time when the biggest A-listers tend to divulge very little about their politics or sex lives, as a result rendering many a celebrity profile thuddingly anodyne, this is refreshing if incredibly weird. There is something excitingly free-wheeling about the Smith family Red Table Talk, especially, is one of the few celebrity-fronted side hustles to make good on its promise of actual candidness but it also leaves them slightly exhausting as people. Every few weeks, but particularly amid the November releases of Smiths new memoir and his Oscar-tipped film King Richard, fresh personal revelations seem to spring forth, so much that its almost become a running joke. Everything I know about Jada and Wills marriage I learnt without my consent, read one viral tweet last month.

Theyve undoubtedly been humanised, and Im sure many will have felt comforted by the pairs refusal to bend to slightly unrealistic expectations of monogamy, marriage and family. Its a good thing, after all, to see one of the worlds most famous couples admit that, actually, long-term relationships can be really hard to navigate. It does mean, though, that its harder for Smith and Pinkett Smith to disappear anymore. We know so much about them as people that seeing them play somebody else onscreen as in King Richard, or the forthcoming Matrix Resurrections, in which Pinkett Smith reprises her role from the original trilogy becomes less convincing.

The Smiths are no longer untouchable movie stars exuding glamour and mystery, but middle-aged norms with just as many sexual hang-ups and bits of psychologically acrimony as you have. Thats probably been the point of all of this particularly when the specifics of the Smiths marriage always seemed to be gossiped about when they stayed quiet about it but it doesnt make it any less disappointing as a fan of their acting. When I see Will Smith in a movie, I want to be swept up in his performance. I dont want to wonder if it was filmed before or after he as a dubious treat for his wifes birthday tracked down the descendants of the white family that once owned her ancestors.

More:

Sex, psychedelics and murderous impulses: Do we know too much about Will Smith? - The Independent

The Toronto-based company said that it will be focusing on comparing the potency of two candidate tryptamines, which were narrowed from an initial list of six

PharmaDrug Inc announced that the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI) will commence in vitro characterization studies on PharmaDrug's short-list of N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) analogue molecules, which will support IND-enabling studies for the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) review.

The psychedelic research company said that it has commissioned TIBI, under a research agreement, to develop a novel ocular drug delivery platform that aims to deliver psychedelic and tryptamine-based pharmaceuticals, related to DMT for eye diseases.

"We are extremely excited to finalize the first stage of the program in devising an initial list and selecting a final set of two candidate DMT analogue molecules. Initial in vitro efficacy studies will commence immediately, said Daniel Cohen, CEO of PharmaDrug.

He added: The next few months will be vital in characterizing relative drug potency and selecting a single lead candidate to take forward for further development. The following phase will focus on IND enabling efficacy studies using a well-accepted animal model of POAG (primary open-angle glaucoma)."

The Toronto-based company said that it will be focusing on comparing the potency of two candidate tryptamines, which were narrowed from an initial list of six. Current studies at TIBI will take place in three phases in vitro, head-to-head evaluation of potency in cell-based models of glaucoma;evaluation of efficacy (ability to lower intraocular pressure - IOP) when applied as a topical eyedrop in animal models of glaucoma; and development and testing of a medical device capable of delivering sustained, local, sub-psychotropic levels of the development candidate to patients afflicted with glaucoma.

PharmaDrug said that it is anticipating an update on initial research results in late November.

Glaucoma is a disorder of the optic nerve that results in irreversible vision loss and is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization.

Glaucoma impacts more than 2.7 million people aged 40 or older in the USand current treatments are known to have poor rates of compliance of up to 80% of patients. The global market for glaucoma was estimated by Market Scope at $4.8 billion in 2019 with the US market representing $1.9 billion.

Tryptamines are thought to work differently to lower IOP and as such, potentially embody a new class of glaucoma medications that may be used alone, or in combination with already approved medications.

The substance, often hallucinogenic above certain threshold concentrations, constitutes a large collection of molecules that selectively act on multiple different serotonin receptors including 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A. Topical application of several different tryptamines has shown early promise in preclinical models of elevated IOP.

However, factors such as formulation, delivery, the potential for undesirable hallucinogenic side effects, and the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 have all contributed to a lack of development of tryptamines to treat this serious threat to vision.

PharmaDrugs streamlined focus on two highly promising, undisclosed tryptamines as a potential therapeutic solution in treating glaucoma represents a potential paradigm shift, the statement said.

The pharmaceutical company is focused on the research, development, and commercialization of controlled substances and natural medicines such as psychedelics, cannabis, and naturally-derived approved drugs.

Contact Ritika at ritika@proactiveinvestors.com

Excerpt from:

PharmaDrug commissions TIBI for advancing psychedelics program with analogue DMT formulation to cure eye diseases - Proactive Investors USA