Exploring Psychedelic Substances: Effects, Dosing, Interactions, and Implications for Phase II Studies and Clinical Applications

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the scientific exploration and potential therapeutic applications of psychedelics and entactogens, particularly lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).

However, there is still a lack of basic research on fundamental pharmacological aspects of these compounds, which are important for planning further studies and therapeutic applications. In this context, Phase I trials are crucial for understanding the effects and underlying neuropharmacological mechanisms of these substances. The knowledge obtained from these initial studies plays a pivotal role in enhancing therapeutic outcomes and helps in reducing potential risks that may arise in subsequent Phase II studies and clinical applications. Hence, this presentation aims to summarize findings of recent Phase I studies conducted in our group, focusing on the differentiation of various psychedelic substances including LSD, psilocybin and mescaline, their acute effects, the establishment of dose equivalencies, and the identification of potential drug interactions and their transition into Phase II studies and clinical use. 

Biography

Yasmin Schmid is a physician specializing in general medicine, clinical pharmacology, and toxicology. She is currently working as a senior physician at the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University Hospital Basel, where she has also been a member of Matthias Liechti's psychopharmacology research group for several years. She has been involved in the conduct of several placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over studies investigating the effects of various psychoactive substances, including MDMA, LSD, and mescaline, in healthy subjects. Currently, her research focuses on the potential therapeutic applications of LSD, and she is conducting clinical studies involving patients with cluster headaches and patients in palliative care in collaboration with the respective specialists.