UK’s Clinical Trial Highlights
1. DMT Trial for Alcohol Misuse (UCL)
Researchers at University College London have launched the largest psychedelic brain-imaging study to date. They’re investigating whether a single intravenous dose of DMT can help reduce alcohol consumption by targeting alcohol-related reward memories. The study involves 120 volunteers and combines MRI brain scans with controlled reactivation of those memories. If successful, it could pave the way for a Phase 3 clinical trial.The Guardian
2. Psilocybin Trial for Opioid Relapse (Imperial College London)
Imperial College is preparing a first-of-its-kind UK clinical trial using psilocybin therapy to help prevent relapse among individuals recovering from opioid addiction. Funded by the NIHR and government’s Office for Life Sciences, it will also involve fMRI imaging and psychological support, with participants being tracked for up to six months. Recruitment is expected to begin in spring 2025.Imperial College Londonimperialbrc.nihr.ac.uk
3. COMP360 Psilocybin in Phase 3 for Treatment‑Resistant Depression (Compass Pathways/KCL)
Compass Pathways has begun the UK component of its global phase 3 clinical program testing COMP360—synthetic psilocybin—for treatment-resistant depression. This study, COMP‑006, is being rolled out at the newly established Centre for Mental Health Research and Innovation at Maudsley Hospital, in partnership with King’s College London and SLaM NHS.Compass PathwaysKing’s College LondonPsychedelic Invest
Also, earlier phase 2b results across multiple countries—including UK sites—demonstrated that a 25 mg dose of psilocybin with psychological support led to stronger reductions in depression symptoms compared to control doses.King’s College London
4. PsiDeR Study – Psilocybin for Treatment‑Resistant Depression (KCL)
King’s College London’s PsiDeR trial (phase 2) is evaluating the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of a single 25 mg psilocybin dose versus placebo in individuals with depression unresponsive to at least two treatments. Participants also receive psychotherapy and, optionally, undergo neuroimaging and biomarker analysis.King’s College London
International & Biotech Developments (but UK-relevant implications)
• 5‑MeO‑DMT (GH Research & Beckley Psytech)
GH Research reported strong Phase 2b results for GH001 (a 5‑MeO‑DMT formulation) with over 57% remission in treatment-resistant depression at day 8, compared to 0% with placebo.Wikipedia
Meanwhile, Beckley Psytech, a UK-based biotech, is developing intranasal 5‑MeO‑DMT therapies and anticipates publishing Phase 2b results by mid‑2025.Business Insider
• Bretisilocin (Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals)
This next-gen, synthetic compound is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for major depressive disorder as of June 2025. Early Phase 2a results reportedly show high rates of symptom remission.Wikipedia
• CYB003 (Cybin)
CYB003—a deuterated psilocin analogue—has been granted Breakthrough Therapy status by the FDA and entered Phase 3 trials for major depressive disorder, with studies launched in late 2024 and early 2025.Wikipedia
• ITI‑1549
A novel, non-hallucinogenic 5‑HT2A agonist being developed for mood disorders. Still in early stages (discovery and preclinical), drawing scientific interest around psychedelic-style treatments without the subjective effects.Wikipedia
• Tactogen Pipeline
Tactogen is exploring entactogen-like compounds (e.g. 5‑MAPB), with early Phase 1 and 2 clinical trial planning underway—particularly for PTSD.Wikipedia
Summary Table
| Trial / Project | Location / Sponsor | Target Condition | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMT for Alcohol Misuse (UCL) | UCL, UK | Alcohol misuse | Early (imaging) |
| Psilocybin for Opioid Relapse | Imperial College, UK | Opioid addiction relapse | Pre‑recruit / Phase 1‑2 |
| COMP360 Psilocybin for TRD | Compass Pathways / KCL, UK | Treatment‑resistant depression | Phase 3 |
| PsiDeR (KCL) | King’s College London, UK | Treatment‑resistant depression | Phase 2 |
| 5‑MeO‑DMT (GH Research) | GH Research / Beckley Psytech (UK) | TRD | Phase 2b |
| Bretisilocin (Gilgamesh) | Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals | Major depressive disorder | Phase 2 |
| CYB003 (Cybin) | Cybin | Major depressive disorder | Phase 3 |
| ITI‑1549, Tactogen, etc. | Various biotech teams | Mood disorders / PTSD | Preclinical / Phase 1 planning |
Why It Matters for the UK
- The UK is firmly on the frontlines of psychedelic clinical research, with major institutions like UCL, KCL, and Imperial College London, and public-private collaborations such as Compass Pathways fueling progress.
- Research spans from addiction treatment (alcohol, opioids) to complex conditions like treatment-resistant depression, tapping into neuroplasticity and brain healing.
- The infrastructure—notably the Centre for Mental Health Research and Innovation—ensures the UK has the capacity to scale up trials and integrate future therapies into healthcare systems.
Want help diving deeper into any of these studies—like clinical protocols, neuroimaging methods, or patient eligibility criteria? Just say the word!