# 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.
- Title: Psychedelic from toad venom helps treatment-resistant…
- Summary: A single dose of 5-MeO-DMT from Colorado River toad venom reduced depression symptoms in 18-26% of treatment-resistant patients.
- Keywords: 5-meodmt, treatment-resistant depression, colorado river toad, mebufotenin, jama, elilly, ataibeckley, Psychedelic, toad, venom, helps, treatment-resistant
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/psychedelic-from-toad-venom-could-help-treatment-resistant-depression-12619191
- Published: 2026-10-27T15:08:30+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: 5-meodmt, treatment-resistant depression, colorado river toad, mebufotenin, jama, elilly, ataibeckley
## 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%.
## Key takeaway

A single dose of 5-MeO-DMT from Colorado River toad venom reduced depression symptoms in 18-26% of treatment-resistant patients.