MindShift

The Big Story

“PIPI” drugs to fight inflammation. Last week in the British Journal of Pharmacology, researchers introduced a new term for psychedelic-derived compounds without hallucinogenic properties: "PIPI" (Psychedelic drug-Informed but Psychedelic-experience Inactive). While it is impossible to trip on these new molecules, they could hold one of the most attractive properties observed with psilocin, LSD, and DMT: countering inflammation. That makes them interesting for treating a wide range of inflammation-related diseases, from asthma to Alzheimer’s. 

Designing new PIPI drugs will require a clearer picture of how psychedelics fight inflammation. The most commonly cited target is the 5-HT2A receptor, found in the brain, where it plays a crucial role in psychedelic hallucinatory effects, but also in immune cells. However, other mechanisms are also likely involved in psychedelics' anti-inflammatory effects. Discovering them could pave the way for designing new PIPI drugs, the researchers argue.

Science & Innovation

One dose of LSD keeps anxiety at bay. Adults with generalized anxiety disorder experienced a significant reduction of symptoms after a single 100 or 200 microgram dose of MM120 (a salt form of LSD). These are the results of a Phase 2b randomized clinical trial in 198 patients by the New York-based company MindMed. Lower doses showed no clear effect. Writing in JAMA, researchers explain that the benefits lasted through the 12-week follow-up, with nearly two-thirds of patients responding positively and almost half reaching remission. MindMed is now advancing Phase 3 trials, with results expected in 2026.
→ NPR

Psilocybin poison center calls are on the rise. A new study reveals a threefold increase between 2013 and 2022, with a notable surge after 2019. Nearly 7,000 cases were logged across all age groups, but were most common in young adults. Encounters were similar in number to those for LSD and mescaline/peyote, though far fewer than for toxic mushrooms and plants. A small percentage of cases led to major effects (4.3%) or death (0.1%). The findings reflect the growing use of psilocybin and other psychedelics.
→ Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open

An alternative to conventional pharma models. Switzerland’s Limited Medical Use Program and Australia’s Authorized Prescriber scheme allow experimental psychedelic treatments to proceed outside standard clinical trials and without immediate commercial pressure, explains an anthropologist. He describes these approaches as “provisional and improvisational”. They challenge traditional drug-development processes and narratives by “reintroducing psychotherapy into neuropsychiatry and by incorporating existential, relational, and sometimes spiritual dimensions into psychiatric treatment”.
→ Biosocieties

Society & Policy

Former pros in the NFL turn to psychedelics for traumatic brain injuries. American football, hockey, and combat sports athletes face a high risk of concussions. These injuries may lead to lasting cognitive impairments. Since psychedelics promote brain plasticity and may even stimulate the growth of new neurons, according to a few preliminary studies, could they help the brain recover from traumatic injuries? Some former NFL players aren’t waiting for science to provide all the answers before trying it out.
→ Wired

Bridging therapy and spiritual experience. Medical anthropologist Pardis Mahdavi highlights the uniqueness of the alliance around psychedelics, gathering clergy, scientists, and politicians. While the spiritual use of substances like psilocybin and ayahuasca is not new, Mahdavi notes that “high-profile clergy” advocating for psychedelic-assisted therapy is a recent development. She also points to a recent American study in which rabbis, Catholic priests, Protestant ministers, and Zen monks actively participated. Surveyed after their experience, 24 of the 29 participants said psychedelics can lead to profound spiritual experiences.
→ The Conversation

The latest updates on the legalization front. The past two weeks have seen some policy shifts in Europe and the United States.

• Germany – The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices approved two medical facilities to administer psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression. → Filter Mag 

• Alaska – Its lieutenant governor approved a ballot initiative to decriminalize the personal use and home cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms. → Your Alaska Link

• Michigan – The state’s Court of Claims will decide on the right to hold celebrations with psychedelic plants and mushrooms on the University of Michigan campus. → Michigan Live

• Kentucky – A lawmaker wants to revive a previously abandoned proposal to fund ibogaine research for treating drug addiction. → Medical Express

Business

How a close friend of Elon Musk ended up controlling America’s once most prominent psychedelic company. Last year, Lykos Therapeutics laid off 75% of its staff after the FDA rejected its application to allow MDMA for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. In May 2025, Antonio Gracias, a Trump-supporting billionaire, former board member of Tesla and SpaceX, and lieutenant in DOGE, recapitalized and took over the company. Some observers fear that Gracias’s ties to the current administration could compromise the integrity of the FDA’s next review, raising concerns about regulatory independence and the influence of political connections.
→ The Guardian 

Psychedelics beyond the Global North. Where will future markets emerge? While most clinical trials have taken place in wealthy countries, the greatest demand lies elsewhere. A new study assessed the potential of psychedelic therapies in 136 low- and middle-income nations based on health systems, workforce, cultural familiarity, and legal context. Eighteen countries stood out, with South Africa, Thailand, and Mexico leading the way. Others, like China, ranked high on infrastructure but remain constrained by strict drug laws.
→ Journal of Psychedelic Studies

In brief

Reasons for a rejection. The FDA has released its rejection letter to Lykos Therapeutics, citing concerns over safety and effectiveness. → Politico

Into the wild. For the second time in recent months, hikers were rescued in the Catskill Mountains, north of New York, after consuming mushrooms. → New York Times

Senator’s trip. Kyrsten Sinema, former Arizona senator and ibogaine advocate, says she traveled to Mexico to try the drug herself. → CNN (video)

Too high to fly. Allegedly under the influence of psilocybin, a former Alaska Airlines pilot tried to shut down the engines of a passenger plane in midair. → ABC News

No shroom for Joe. The Pentagon has updated its drug screening policy to test troops for psilocin. → Military Times

Young adults aren’t just into cringey literature. They’re also the largest demographic of psychedelic users. → Denver Gazette

MDMA to heal Ukrainians. More than 6 million people are affected by trauma resulting from Russia’s 2022 invasion, and psychedelics may help. → UC Berkeley

Breathing your way to a trip. A new study reports that high ventilation breathwork, paired with music, can induce psychedelic-like states of bliss and unity. → PLOS ONE

Global Psychedelic Week. In November, the annual celebration of psychedelic science, culture, therapy, and community takes place across 8 countries. → Global Psychedelic Week

If you have a little more time

Headlines oversell psychedelics' anti-aging effects. Reports of psilocybin making mice look younger and cells live longer made headlines this summer (in MindShift as well). Scientists warn against overblown claims in the news: the research was limited to cultured cells and small animal experiments, and we are far from knowing whether such effects translate to humans. Moreover, doses were exceptionally high. Researchers argue that while the results are intriguing, media coverage was often sensational and fueled hype over evidence.
→ The Conversation

The hype is cooling. While research from 2012 to 2022 generally embraced the field with optimism, the scientific community has shifted to a more cautious stance, especially since 2024. Experts increasingly point to the unpredictability of psychedelics, while others highlight the risk of worsening conditions such as psychosis.
→ Psychology Today