Illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios
An interest group called the Association for Prescription Psychedelics is launching Wednesday with the goal of increasing patient access to hallucinogens.
Why it matters: Interest has been building in Congress to expand psychedelic treatments for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, and another advocacy group may build momentum for the cause.
State of play: During this session, lawmakers added amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act and the House appropriations bill that funds the VA that would make it easier to research the medical benefits of psychedelics.
- Last year's NDAA included a measure that for the first time enabled the Department of Defense to fund a clinical study on the effect of psychedelic substances such as MDMA for service members who have sustained PTSD or a traumatic brain injury.
- And early this year, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it would solicit applications to study the use of psychedelic compounds in treating PTSD.
The intrigue: One founding member of the organization is the beleaguered psychedelic company Lykos Therapeutics, which has come under scrutiny for study conduct and data on an ecstasy-based treatment.
- In August, the FDA rejected an application by Lykos for a treatment using MDMA and psychotherapy for PTSD, saying it needed more studies.
- It would have been the first psychedelic treatment approved for clinical use in the U.S.
- Lykos has since laid off 75% its workforce and has been meeting with the FDA to discuss next steps.
Other companies working on developing psychedelic medical treatments that are part of the new group include B.More, Compass Pathways and MindMed.
- Some universities and institutions conducting research in the area will also be involved, such as the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Johns Hopkins University and the Cleveland Clinic.
What they're saying: "The Association for Prescription Psychedelics will serve as the leading voice for clinical, evidence-based psychedelic medicines and treatments administered by licensed, experienced and highly trained professionals in the medical community," said Jon Kostas, executive director of APP and CEO of Apollo Pact.
- In a statement, the group added that "APP will serve as a trusted and recognized voice on prescription psychedelics and highlight how government-sponsored research" can help "support this innovative area of medicine."
