Psilocybin may prevent chemotherapy nerve pain as LSD, MDMA and psychedelic therapies advance through research and regulation

Research in mice suggests that two preventive doses of psilocybin protected against cisplatin-induced nerve damage for up to six chemotherapy cycles, prompting plans for a clinical trial in cancer patients while underscoring that the findings have not yet been shown in humans. The newsletter also reports that Definium Therapeutics received FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for its oral LSD formulation DT120 for major depressive disorder after positive Phase 3 results. In New Zealand, two psychiatrists were approved to administer MDMA for PTSD, although treatment access is limited and a standard course may cost NZ$15,000. A forthcoming FDA hearing will address provider training, patient safety, access, and standardized long-term data collection. Compass Pathways also reported 52-week depression outcomes for its psilocybin compound COMP360, while other updates cover psychedelic policy, clinical infrastructure, archaeology, business disputes, and ketamine-related risks.