Challenge:

The ZonMw report (in Dutch) on Therapeutic Applications of Psychedelics (TTP) highlights the urgent need for new and effective treatment methods for psychiatric disorders. Due to the high cost and complexity of research, many pharmaceutical companies have been stopping the development of psychiatric drugs. Recent studies indicate that certain psychedelics show promising effects for several such disorders.

As described in the SiRM report (in Dutch), research into psychedelics presents an opportunity for academically driven drug development. A greater role for academia could help make some medications, such as psychedelics, more readily available to patients. The report points out the low investment willingness from the traditional pharmaceutical industry, partly due to the lack of patent protection resulting from the natural origins of these substances. Therefore, a stronger role for the academic community is essential to advance research into the therapeutic effects of psychedelics and provide faster treatment options for patients with psychiatric conditions.

Project goal(s):

To contribute to research on innovative therapies for psychiatric disorders and to promote academically driven drug development, FAST has participated in drafting a funding application for Therapeutic Applications of Psychedelics at ZonMw, under the Good Use of Medicines program. Previously, FAST contributed to enabling research into the therapeutic effects of medicinal cannabis. FAST is involved as a co-supervisor of this research, which is being conducted partly at LUMC and partly at the Centre for Human Drug Research. Additionally, the RARE-NL hub for rare diseases and drug repurposing regularly receives inquiries about the potential development of other psychedelics.

See also this interview, which explains FAST’s involvement in research and development of medicinal cannabis.

Project Status: The application was submitted to ZonMw in November 2024.

Contribution of FAST: FAST assisted with the application by participating in preparatory workshops and serving as an advisor in the steering committee.