From Newsweek · · 1m 30s
Psychedelic from toad venom helps treatment-resistant depression
A single dose of 5-MeO-DMT from Colorado River toad venom reduced depression symptoms in 18-26% of treatment-resistant patients.
In brief
A single dose of 5-MeO-DMT from Colorado River toad venom reduced depression symptoms in 18-26% of treatment-resistant patients. A single dose of 5-MeO-DMT from Colorado River toad venom reduced depression symptoms in 18-26% of treatment-resistant patients. Originally reported by Newsweek.
New study finds psychedelic helps depression
A new study found that 5-MeO-DMT from Colorado River toad venom helps people with treatment-resistant depression.
Drug administered as nasal spray
Participants received the psychedelic as mebufotenin benzoate nasal spray in a Phase 2b trial.
Published in JAMA
The study was published in JAMA on October 26 and funded by AtaiBeckley, which was recently acquired by Eli Lilly.
Eli Lilly's response
Eli Lilly said a single dose significantly reduced depressive symptoms with benefit seen through the end of the eight-week study.
Expert endorsement
Cornell University professor Alex Kwan called the data strong and the study well executed and rigorous.
Shorter acting than psilocybin
Johns Hopkins professor Albert Garcia-Romeu said 5-MeO-DMT's shorter effects could increase scalability and access compared to psilocybin.
Treatment-resistant depression definition
Treatment-resistant depression is defined as inadequate response to two antidepressants despite proper treatment.
Study results
18-26% of participants saw symptom improvement versus 8% in the inactive dose group after eight weeks.
Side effects reported
Headaches affected almost 30% of participants, with nausea in 24% and administration site pain in 16%.
What matters most
A single dose of 5-MeO-DMT from Colorado River toad venom reduced depression symptoms in 18-26% of treatment-resistant patients.
