Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Sublingual Microdoses of 5-MeO-DMT for Depression and Anxiety

Summary

This Phase I/II clinical trial investigates the safety, tolerability, and potential therapeutic benefits of a novel sublingual formulation of 5-MeO-DMT. The study uses a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design to evaluate the compound's effects on mood and overall well-being, focusing on participants with elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Study Design and Objectives:

Participants are divided into four groups: one receiving a placebo and three receiving different doses of 5-MeO-DMT (6 mg, 9 mg, or 12 mg). Each group comprises 10 participants, totaling 40 individuals. The study administers one dose weekly for four weeks, with comprehensive monitoring at baseline and throughout the trial to track changes in emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being.

Objectives:

Assessing 5-MeO-DMT's impact on anxiety, depression, and emotional well-being. Understanding its pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion).

Evaluating its safety profile and identifying potential side effects, both mild and severe.

Monitoring and Safety Participant safety is prioritized, with medical professionals conducting regular evaluations of vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure. Detailed tracking of mood, perception, and physical responses ensures any adverse reactions are documented and analyzed.

Sublingual Administration The sublingual route is being studied for its rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Researchers will determine how efficiently the body processes 5-MeO-DMT, its duration in the bloodstream, and its influence on daily life. These findings will inform the practicality of this administration method in clinical settings.

Significance of the Study This trial aims to establish a robust safety and tolerability profile for 5-MeO-DMT while exploring its effects on anxiety and depression. The results will also provide essential data to guide future studies into its therapeutic potential for improving mental health and overall quality of life.

By addressing both the compound's safety and potential benefits, this research lays the groundwork for developing innovative mental health treatments.

Conditions

• Healthy Volunteers

Interventions

DRUG

BMND08

Participants will receive a sublingual dose of 5-MeO-DMT once a week for four consecutive weeks. The intervention will be administered in the form of a sublingual tablet. The substance 5-MeO-DMT, a potent tryptamine, is known for its psychoactive properties but will be administered at a dose that does not induce a full psychedelic experience.

PROCEDURE

Brain electrical activity monitor

EEG is a technique used to monitor brain electrical activity by recording brain waves through electrodes placed on the scalp. This procedure allows the assessment of brain waves such as delta, theta, alpha, and beta, specifically to evaluate the changes in brain activity following sublingual administration of 5-MeO-DMT.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Pharmacokinetic Study of Sublingually Administered Psychoactive Substance

For pharmacokinetic analysis, approximately 6 mL of EDTA blood will be collected to assess the pharmacokinetics of a sublingual dose of 5-MeO-DMT. Samples will be obtained at baseline (pre-dose, 0 minutes) and at the following time points post-dose: 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 120 minutes.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Biochemical determinations

Biochemical determinations will be performed to assess hematological, renal, hepatic, cardiac, and cellular lysis functions. The biochemical markers that will be measured include red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, glycated hemoglobin, white blood cells, microalbuminuria (urine albumin/creatinine ratio), and various serum markers such as cortisol, glucose, urea, serum creatinine, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, AST, ALT, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, and C-reactive protein.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Acute Subjective Ratings of Psychedelic Effects

To determine the intensity of the acute effects experienced by subjects, retrospective ratings will be collected 1 hour after 5-MeO-DMT or placebo exposure. Subjective ratings will include the Peak Experience Scale (PES), the Ego Dissolution Inventory (EDI), and the Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ).

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

vital signs

Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiration rate, body temperature, and electrocardiograms (ECGs), will be monitored over the six weeks of the treatment

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Cognitive Assessments

Cognitive assessments will evaluate the effects of sublingual 5-MeO-DMT on cognitive functions. Participants will undergo the Phonological Verbal Fluency Test (FAS) to assess executive function, the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) to evaluate processing speed, and the Digit Span Scale (DSS) for attention span and working memory. These tests will be administered at baseline, during treatment, and post-treatment to assess any cognitive changes in response to the different doses of 5-MeO-DMT (6 mg, 9 mg, 12 mg) or placebo, helping to determine how the intervention may influence cognitive processing, memory, and attention.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Psychiatric Assessments

Psychiatric evaluations will be conducted to assess the emotional and psychological effects of sublingual 5-MeO-DMT. Participants will complete the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI II) to measure mood and depressive symptoms, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to evaluate state anxiety, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to assess stress levels. Additionally, the Suicidal Ideation Scale (SSI) will be used to monitor any changes in suicidal ideation throughout the study. These psychiatric assessments will be administered at multiple time points during the study to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of 5-MeO-DMT in improving mood, anxiety, and overall psychological well-being.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hospital Descentralizado Dr. Marcial V. Quiroga

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Universidad Católica de Cuyo

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Biomind Labs Inc.

  lead INDUSTRY

Principal Investigators

• Martin A. Bruno, PhD · Biomind Labs Inc.

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

40 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-10-21

Primary Completion

2025-02-14

Completion

2025-03-01

Countries

• Argentina

Study Locations