World-first intravenous psychedelic trial to treat binge eating to launch

The world-first IV-administered psychedelic trial for binge eating disorder will kick off this year, as Swinburne University of Technology signs a landmark clinical trial research agreement with Tryptamine Therapeutics.

Binge eating disorder is the second most common eating disorder, yet underrepresentation and stigma means it still faces massive research and treatment issues. 

This will be the world’s first research trial to administer psilocin, the active metabolite of psilocybin which is present in psychedelic mushrooms, intravenously (via an IV infusion) to treat patients with binge eating disorder.

Research lead Swinburne’s Professor Susan Rossell says there is pressing need for new treatments that can provide sustained benefit.

 “Psychedelics have been shown to provide long-term meaningful benefits to people living with a range of different mental health conditions. 

“Eating disorders – despite being amongst the most debilitating psychiatric illnesses – have remained largely unexplored in psychedelic research until now. The combination of psilocin with intravenous administration presents a unique and exciting opportunity.”

Currently, treatment for binge eating disorder involves a combination of psychologist-led therapy and prescribed medications to manage symptoms. However, not all benefit from current treatments, particularly as symptoms persist. 

Tryptamine Therapeutics have developed a novel method to deliver psilocin (the active metabolite in psilocybin) intravenously (TRP-8803), rather than through the traditional oral capsule, which has a number of limitations. 

CEO of Tryptamine Therapeutics, Jason Carroll, is pleased to embark on this new partnership with Swinburne to further develop TRP-8803.

“Our innovation allows for more precise control over the onset and duration of the psychedelic experience and time in the potential therapeutic zone. As well, we have the ability to reverse treatment quickly if required. This opens up new possibilities for tailored and safer treatment to the individual needs of the patient.”

“We are very excited to undertake this world-first with Swinburne, an organisation well-known for their exceptional research capabilities. We are confident that this collaborative effort will highlight the potential of our lead drug candidate as new treatment for binge eating disorder and its ability to deliver improved health outcomes at scale.”

Participants with binge eating disorder will receive psilocin through IV-infusion in combination with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy; a novel form of talk-based therapy that helps individuals prepare for and make sense of the psychedelic experiences that emerge during the sessions.

Professor Rossell hopes that this research will pave the way for global investment in treating binge eating disorder.

“Binge eating disorder is a debilitating disease that seriously impacts too many Australians lives. I’m thrilled to be part of an internationally-leading team committed to making real change with innovative solutions.”

For more information about the research trial, please email bed-iv@swin.edu.au.