Australia’s biggest research trial using psychedelics to treat depression will start soon. 

For many people living with depression, treatment involves a combination of psychologist-led therapy and prescribed medications to manage symptoms.   

However, for an increasing cohort of people with Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder, the path to better mental health isn’t so clear.   

Swinburne University has signed a $5 million clinical trial research agreement with Woke Pharmaceuticals to embark on Australia’s biggest research trial examining the promise of the active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms, called ‘psilocybin’, in tackling treatment-resistant depression.   

The idea of treating depression with magic mushrooms is considered controversial by some, but lead researcher Professor Susan Rossell says psychedelics have been shown to provide long-term durable benefit in a multitude of psychiatric disorders.  

“Psychedelics could transform the landscape of treatments for many psychiatric disorders, including major depression,” Professor Rossell says.

“The initial positive findings from the literature need to be pursued with large real-world trials, like the one we are conducting. Exploring the effectiveness of two or three dosing sessions will provide critical data on the sustainability of benefit and effective real-world treatment regimens of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for those with treatment-resistant depression.

“I am excited to be leading this trial. We have the opportunity to make a substantial difference and for Australia to lead the way in psychedelics research.”    

Approximately 160 patients will participate in a randomised controlled trial of either two or three doses of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy versus a placebo. The psilocybin drug candidate, WP002, is formulated as a rapid release tablet by Woke Pharmaceuticals.  

The primary outcome will be measured with the industry standard MADRS Depression Rating Scale behaviour. Secondary measures of wellness, quality of life, and health economic assessments will also be conducted.  

Commencing enrolment in mid-2023, Woke Pharmaceuticals’ funding and provision of clinical material will enable Swinburne to collaborate with Monash University and University of Tasmania to help Australians suffering with depression who are not treated effectively with existing medications.