April 14, 2021

phase 2 trial comparing psilocybin with escitalopram for depression

This phase 2 trial is the first head to head comparison of psilocybin against a licenced antidepressant in patients with major depressive disorder. It compares psilocybin with escitalopram in 59 patients over a 6 week period, and the findings have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Journalists dialled in to this briefing to hear from two of the authors about the study, and how it can pave the way for further work into psilocybin as a possible treatment for depression.

Speakers included:

Prof David Nutt, The Edmond J Safra Chair in Neuropsychopharmacology, Imperial College London

Dr Robin Carhart-Harris, Head of the Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London

This Briefing was accompanied by an SMC Roundup of Comments.