100 million people affected worldwide ¹

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) affects approximately one-third of all people with major depressive disorder, translating to about 100 million people globally. TRD is defined as depression that hasn't responded to at least two different antidepressant treatments given at adequate doses and duration. The condition is associated with higher suicide risk, increased healthcare costs, and severe impairment in quality of life, with an estimated economic burden of over $64 billion annually in the US alone.

Current Treatments ¹

Conventional approaches for TRD include switching antidepressants, combining multiple medications, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). More recently, ketamine and esketamine (Spravato) have been approved for TRD. However, even with these options, many patients continue to struggle, with remission rates remaining low and relapse rates high. ECT, while effective, is often avoided due to stigma and potential cognitive side effects.

Psychedelic research currently is in Phase IIIb

Research into psychedelics for TRD is among the most advanced in the psychedelic field. COMPASS Pathways' psilocybin therapy is in Phase III trials, following promising Phase IIb results. Multiple other studies with psilocybin, DMT, and other compounds are in Phase II. Early results suggest psychedelics might offer a novel approach to treating TRD, with potential for longer-lasting effects than conventional treatments. FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to several psychedelic compounds for TRD.

Highlighted Institutes

These are the institutes, from companies to universities, who are working on Treatment-Resistant Depression.

Revixia Life Sciences

Revixia Life Sciences is a biotech company developing Salvinorin A (salvia) for substance use disorders (SUD), treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and pain.

Compass Pathways

COMPASS Pathways is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ) that is developing psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) for which it has completed a successful Phase IIb trial. COMPASS is one of the largest psychedelic companies and has received substantial investment from atai.

OVID

OVID is a spin-off from the MIND Foundation, and will develop psychedelic therapy (infrastructure) in Germany/Europe. The spin-off was done so that this (LLC-like) entity is able to train therapists and host the (to date largest) psilocybin study for depression.

Highlighted People

These are some of the best-known people, from researchers to entrepreneurs, working on Treatment-Resistant Depression.

George Goldsmith

George Goldsmith is the CEO, Co-Founder, and Chairman of Compass Pathways, which he has led since July 2016.

Linked Research Papers & Trials

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