WA biotech Emyria completes first dosing for MDMA-assisted therapy trial

Emyria has dosed its first patient in its MDMA-assisted therapy trial for post-traumatic stress disorder in what the WA biotech says marks an Australian first. The company on Monday said the “significant milestone” was “believed to be a first for a private specialist clinic operating distinctively from academic centres and both public and private hospitals.” The announcement marks the active treatment phase of the trial and the accumulation of clinical evidence to support player engagement. It follows a decision by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in February allowing medicines containing psilocybin — a psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms — and MDMA to be prescribed to patients by authorised psychiatrists from July 1. “For individuals grappling with PTSD, the current treatment landscape can feel limiting,” Emyria lead psychiatrist Jon Laugharne said. “By initiating active MDMA-assisted therapy within an operational private clinic, as opposed to traditional academic settings, we aim to prioritise real-world patient well-being and learning in order to develop a viable delivery model that can scale.” With PTSD affecting about one million Australians, Emyria said there was a growing need for more effective treatments. Emyria managing director Michael Winlo has also previously said there was a massive need for more effective mental health treatments across the board. Previous studies conducted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies in the US also found MDMA-assisted therapy was effective in reducing PTSD symptoms.