Article by Sam Riches, Growth Op
A new preclinical study, conducted by the University of Toronto and Sansero Life Sciences Inc., will seek to uncover more information about the effects of low-dose psilocybin.
Of particular interest is the efficacy of small doses of psilocybin to treat mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
The research will help inform Sansero’s product development, according to a news release, which is expected to focus on developing medications that offer the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin without the psychoactive effects.
“Our goal is to make psilocybin-based medications accessible to people who could benefit from the potentially life-changing effects of psilocybin — including people who are motivated to avoid the psychoactive effects of a flood dose,” said Dr. Darryl Hudson, Sansero’s chief science officer.
“The university’s partnership with Sansero in this preclinical study is important to deepening our knowledge of psilocybin,” said Professor Richard Bazinet of U of T’s Department of Nutritional Sciences. “Led by Dr. Adam Metherel, this study will contribute to the university’s knowledge base for a new generation of scientists as we map the metabolism and further explore the compound’s behavioural effects,” Bazinet adds.
The U of T offers a Psychedelic Studies Research Program, which is dedicated to understanding the effects of microdosing through a multidisciplinary approach.