Drug development and wellness company NeonMind announced it had released its preclinical data demonstrating the effectiveness of using psilocybin to reduce weight gain in obese subjects. Previous preclinical data has shown NeonMind has been effective in reducing weight gain in healthy subjects with normal weight.
“These latest findings show psilocybin’s ability to modulate weight gain, which is absolutely critical for any drug candidate targeting obesity and weight loss,” said Robert Tessarolo, president and CEO of NeonMind. “In two separate rodent studies, we have shown that psilocybin has efficacy in modulating weight in both obese and normal subjects. This is important given visceral fat is associated with increased comorbidities and poorer health outcomes. These findings show promise for the future development of psilocybin-based treatments for obesity, which may also lead to improved cardiovascular and metabolic health.”
Data from the preclinical trials revealed a novel finding for its drug candidates: the ability to target visceral fat. Increased visceral fat has been shown to poor cardiometabolic health and the reduction of visceral fat is important in weight loss and overall better general health. Additional findings from the preclinical trial showed statistical significance in absolute and relative weight gain compared to the control group, efficacy seen within days of administration, reduced food consumption compared to the control group and no safety signals.
The findings allow NeonMind to further the drug profiles of two versions of a psilocybin-based drug being developed, NEO-001 which employs psilocybin as an agonist at the serotonin 5- HT2A receptor and NEO-002, which utilizes low-dose psilocybin as an agonist at the 5-HT2C receptor, which controls appetite.
“These preclinical studies are bringing to light novel findings in an under-researched psychedelic modality: psilocybin-based weight management. We were able to explore key mechanisms that drive obese behavior and have come away with further evidence that psilocybin could potentially lead to a reduction in weight gain in various patient sub-types,” said Dr. Alasdair Barr, primary investigator of NeonMind’s preclinical study.
NeonMind recently filed for a provisional patent related to its novel mechanism of weight loss.
The provisional patent application includes data derived from the recent animal study and strengthens NeonMind’s growing IP portfolio and differentiates the commercial profiles of its drug candidates. If approved, the patent could support NeonMind’s pharmaceutical assets until 2042.
Studies have been done of the efficacy of psilocybin on mental health, with results showing use of psilocybin can have an impact on depressive disorder symptoms. Previous studies have shown psilocybin helping relieve the symptoms of depression for up to a month, but a follow-up study with the same participants found effects could last for up to one year and potentially even longer.
“With the advancement of our research programs and continued expansion of our IP portfolio, NeonMind is positioning itself as a leading innovator in the development of novel psychedelic treatments focused on serving the weight management and obesity market, which has historically been underserved and where a new, effective approach is desperately needed to help people live fuller, healthier lives,” Tessarolo said.
As psilocybin and psychedelics are increasingly studied for the potential effects on mental health, there is belief that the substance can make a significant dent in the mental health market.
“The surge in demand for alternative options to traditional mental health support have fueled interest and curiosity in the burgeoning field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Mounting evidence suggests that when used in conjunction with therapeutic and medical protocols, psychedelics have the potential to bring relief to those whose conditions have been resistant to traditional approaches,” said co-CEO of the ATMA Journey Centers, David Harder, said in a company press release.
