Eleusis evaluates potential of LSD in treating Alzheimer’s Disease

A clinal stage life science company, Eleusis recently announced results from the Phase 1 clinical trial of LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide), demonstrating the potential of the orally administered low doses of the drug for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

The study demonstrates positive data on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, tolerability and safety in healthy-older volunteers over a period of 3 weeks. In the past, LSD has shown clinically relevant therapeutic effects in patients afflicted by substance abuse, depression and anxiety. Prior research also suggests that a low dose LSD may have considerable potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease. This trial conducted by Eleusis was the first registered modern clinical trial on low doses of LSD.

Neiloufar Family, Director of Research at Eleusis and the lead investigator in the study was reportedly quoted saying that they are encouraged by the study results as it provides reassuring safety data and that the frequency of adverse events associated with Lysergic Acid Diethylamide is similar to placebo.

Charles Nichols, Professor of Pharmacology at Louisiana State University and co-author of the study was reported to state that this research with serotonin receptor agonists like LSD, represent a new strategy to treat diseases associated with chronic inflammation.

The unique polypharmacology of LSD may serve to enhance its capacity to regulate several key pathological processes in the brain that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease, along with the neuroinflammation, that are implicated in its progression from mild cognitive impairment.

Shlomi Raz, Chairman & Founder, Eleusis. Stated that the company is exhilarated to share the results of the groundbreaking trial of LSD and consider that this study will serve as the foundation for the promising therapeutic development of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide drug and other psychedelic drugs as therapeutics. Raz added that they are looking forward to unravelling the therapeutic potential of psychedelics at non-psychoactive, subperceptual, doses, to safely address the most urgent unmet needs in public health.

Source Credit: https://www.eleusisltd.com/news/2019/12/18/eleusis-announces-phase-1-trial-results-of-lysergic-acid-diethylamide-lsd-in-healthy-older-volunteers-potential-to-evaluate-as-disease-modifying-therapy-for-alzheimers-disease