'Psyched': Military Invests $27M In Psychedelic Research, Atai Launches DTx Platform, Psilocybin Decriminalization Rejected In Iowa

Psyched is a bimonthly column covering the most important developments in the industry of medicinal psychedelics. We hope you follow us periodically as we report on the growth of this exciting new industry.

Military Agency Invests $27M In Psychedelic Research

In September 2019, the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced the creation of the Focused Pharma program. 

It was developed to study Schedule 1 substances in their ability to treat psychological disorders like PTSD, a major issue among combat veterans and military personnel.

Last month, the University of North Carolina announced a four-year, $26,975,142 cooperative agreement with DARPA.

The research will be led by Bryan L. Roth, MD, Ph.D. and “aims to create new medications to effectively and rapidly treat depression, anxiety, and substance abuse without major side effects,” according to a release published by the university.

Cybin Corp., Entheon To Go Public By Reverse Takeover

Psilocybin and fungi company Cybin Corp. announced on June 29 that it has entered an amalgamation agreement with Clarmin Explorations Inc. (TSX.V: CX), a public Canadian mining company.

The agreement will result in a reverse takeover of Clarmin by Cybin, making the latter a publicly traded company.

On July 2, Entheon Biomedical Corp. announced a similar move, with the execution of a definitive agreement with MPV Exploration Inc. MPV, a mining exploration company from Quebec.

The resulting company will continue to carry on the business of Entheon.

Together with Silo Wellness’ announcement, in just one month, three psychedelics companies have announced turning to reverse acquisition of public “shell companies” from the shrinking mining sector in order to skip the lengthy IPO process. 

Former Canadian Health Minister Tony Clement Joins Red Light Holland’s Advisory Board

Canadian-Dutch psychedelic mushroom company Red Light Holland TRIP announced June 24 that Tony Clement was added as senior advisor to the company’s advisory board.

The advisory board is chaired by former Canopy Growth CGC CEO Bruce Linton.

Clement served in former prime minister Stephen Harper's cabinet in various roles between 2006 and 2015, as health minister, industry minister and president of the Treasury Board.

"The psychedelic sector is a fascinating space and one I believe is extremely important for the future. Through careful research and development, and proper guidance in navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance, policy and legalities, companies such as Red Light Holland have great potential to help people all over the world,” Clement said. 

Havn Life Sciences Launches, Files Preliminary Prospectus

Havn Life Sciences, a new psychedelics company, announced its launch with backing from several high-profile executives. They include Aphria’s APHA former CEO Vic Neufeld, who was announced as director, and Sheila Copps, who served as deputy prime minister of Canada in the 1990s and will be on the advisory board.

The company reported filing its preliminary prospectus June 25. According to its website, Havn plans on developing two business branches: one focused on commercialization and another focused on research. The company’s lab is located in the south campus of The University of British Columbia.

Atai Life Sciences Launches Digital Therapeutics Platform

Psychedelic and biotech company ATAI announced the launch of IntroSpect Digital Therapeutics, a digital health care platform aimed at providing remote psychiatric and mental health assistance.

David Keene will serve as the company’s CEO.

'By using a variety of digital biomarkers, we stand to make treatments increasingly refined, effective, and — most importantly for mental healthcare — individualized,” said Keene.

IntroSpect will be added to ATAI’s portfolio, which includes psychedelic companies Compass, Perception Neurosciences and DemeRx, among others.

Iowa House Rejects Psilocybin Decriminalization Amendment

Iowa State Rep. Jeff Shipley introduced a proposed amendment to the state’s budget bill that would have decriminalized psilocybin and psilocin by removing the compounds from the state’s list of scheduled substances.

The proposal was rejected by a 17-76 vote, Marijuana Moment reported.

Shipley, who is a Republican, filed a similar bill in February 2019 that proposed the legalization of psilocybin and MDMA in the Hawkeye State. The bill remains under committee review.

Graphic based on Unsplash photo.