Recent investigations and firsthand accounts suggest that innovative approaches could lead to a transformation in mental health care practices
As skepticism builds regarding the effectiveness and adverse effects of widely used antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs, there’s a growing pursuit for alternative, more beneficial treatments.
Innovations with Ketamine and Psychedelic Compounds
A renewed focus is placed on ketamine—a dissociative anesthetic affecting the glutamate system in the brain—and other psychedelic compounds, based on their ability to quickly alleviate depression symptoms. This has piqued the curiosity of researchers and medical professionals alike for their application in conditions such as TRD, bipolar type II, and PTSD. These substances show promise in enhancing neuroplasticity and reconstructing neural pathways, potentially leading to superior patient outcomes for those grappling with challenging mental disorders.
Figures like Elon Musk have publicly vouched for ketamine’s efficiency in treating depressive states. In the realm of pharmaceutical advancements, companies like SILO Pharma are at the forefront of broadening the accessibility of these unconventional medicinal avenues.
In collaboration with Columbia University, SILO Pharma is investigating the modulation of mood. A recent investigation into their compound, SPC-15, revealed noteworthy enhancements in stabilizing mood, circumventing the usual side effects of traditional antidepressants, propelling the compound into further preclinical research phases. An application for a pre-investigative New Drug (IND) is intended for FDA submission by the company, with a concentration on PTSD treatment strategies.
Eric Weisblum, the CEO of SILO Pharma, remarked, “The recently finalized research displayed significant mood stability advancements. Our commitment continues to expedite our SPC-15 initiative for PTSD into clinical trials, nevertheless, the promising results present additional avenues to assist millions suffering from depression, potentially broadening our product range.”
Having advanced successfully through preclinical development, SILO Pharma is on the brink of sealing an exclusive licensing deal with Columbia University for the global development, manufacturing, and distribution of SPC-15, a pact projected for culmination by mid 2024. This agreement originates from an erstwhile arrangement set in 2021.
Moreover, organizations such as Field Trip Health Ltd are delving into psychedelics such as R-ketamine and MDMA as prospective therapeutic options. Their endeavors offer a glimpse of hope for those desperately needing viable alternatives for mental health care.
