WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration has announced an expedited review process for three psychedelic drugs aimed at treating mental health conditions, including depression. This move is the latest demonstration of the Trump administration's commitment to exploring experimental treatment options.
President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order directing the FDA to facilitate quicker access to psychedelics, which are currently classified as illegal under federal law.
The FDA has awarded priority review vouchers to two companies for psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, aimed at treating difficult-to-treat depression forms. Additionally, a voucher was granted to a company for methylone, related to MDMA, targeting PTSD. The FDA did not disclose the names of the companies benefiting from these vouchers.
While these vouchers do not ensure approval, they significantly shorten the review period from months to weeks, indicating a shift in regulatory attitudes toward psychedelics.
The recent initiatives reflect a growing public acceptance of psychedelics as treatment options among Trump’s supporters, such as combat veterans and backers of the Make America Healthy Again movement, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kennedy previously outlined intentions to enhance access to psychedelics for hard-to-treat conditions in just a year. Some aides have been strong advocates for these substances.
The FDA's accelerated approach is likely to incite scrutiny regarding its fast-tracked drug review program, known as the Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher program.
Lawmakers have raised concerns that vouchers have been disproportionately allocated to companies favored by the current administration, particularly those that have agreed to lower drug prices.
In a separate initiative, the FDA has authorized preliminary trials of a drug derived from ibogaine for patients suffering from alcohol addiction, aiming to explore its therapeutic potential despite known risks.
During a recent event on psychedelics, it became clear that Trump’s allies have played a significant role in elevating these options on presidential agendas. Notably, podcaster Joe Rogan discussed his support for ibogaine directly with Trump, who expressed willingness to advance its FDA approval process.
Amid ongoing discussions, the classification of psychedelics remains challenging, as substances like LSD and psilocybin are deemed Schedule I drugs, making research avenues difficult. Nonetheless, a surge of interest from smaller firms and significant investment from figures like tech mogul Peter Thiel indicates a renewed effort to gain FDA endorsements for various psychedelic treatments.
