Historic €6.5 million EU grant awarded
for psychedelic research

A European consortium of 19 partners has been awarded €6.5 million by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme to study psilocybin to treat psychological distress in people with progressive incurable illnesses requiring palliative care. This is the first time the EU is funding a multisite clinical study into psychedelic-assisted therapy. PAREA efforts have been instrumental in initiating this project, and we will play an important role in its implementation.

The randomised controlled trial will investigate whether psilocybin therapy can help ease psychological and existential distress in patients suffering from one of four different progressive diseases: chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as MND), and atypical Parkinson’s disease.

Commencing in early 2024, over one hundred patients will be treated across four distinct clinical sites in Europe, each focusing on a specific condition. Participants will undergo two therapy sessions, receiving psilocybin (the active ingredient in psychedelic or ‘magic’ mushrooms) or a placebo.

Previous pilot studies have shown substantial reduction in depressed mood and anxiety in people living with a terminal cancer diagnosis, with sometimes persistent benefits.

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, which integrates the use of psilocybin in a secure setting alongside professional psychological support, is introducing an innovative therapeutic approach that addresses not just symptoms of depression and anxiety but also promotes spiritual well-being and life quality in palliative care patients.

This approach combines psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy to address these deep-seated human needs in such challenging circumstances. Beyond immediate clinical outcomes, it targets sustained well-being for patients and their families post-psilocybin treatment. Using peer support and online tools, the project aims to enhance coping mechanisms and alleviate distress as people approach the end of their lives. The project will also create a best practice manual for psilocybin therapy in palliative care and establish a training model for therapists – laying the groundwork for European standards in psychedelic treatments more widely.

Learn more here.

Note for editors
For more information or interview requests, please contact:
Jeroen Neef | PsyPal PR coordinator (representing OPEN Foundation)
Phone: +31628132716 | E-mail: jeroen@open-foundation.org

The partners in the research consortium are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in clinical and research practices, as laid out in the Horizon Europe regulation. Furthermore, the consortium will adhere to any requirements or recommendations from ethics committees and regulatory authorities.

Disclaimer - PsyPal is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Health and Digital Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.