President Trump signed an executive order on Saturday permitting expedited reviews of psychedelic drugs for medical use. The order, “Accelerating Medical Treatments For Serious Mental Illnesses,” seeks to address mental health crises.
“Despite massive Federal investment into researching potential advancements in mental health care and treatment, our medical research system has yet to produce approved therapies that promote enduring improvements in the mental health condition of these most complex patients. Innovative methods are needed to find long-term solutions for these Americans beyond existing prescription medications,” the order reads, noting that some psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine compounds, show “potential in clinical studies to address serious mental illnesses for patients whose conditions persist after completing standard therapy.”
The FDA has granted “Breakthrough Therapy designation” to specific psychedelic drugs, the order says, noting that several products are in the clinical trial phases of research.
“It is the policy of my Administration to accelerate innovative research models and appropriate drug approvals to increase access to psychedelic drugs that could save lives and reverse the crisis of serious mental illness in America,” the order declares.
More than 14 million American adults have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness, the order explains, while about 8 million American adults are on prescription medication for their conditions. Between 2000 and 2018, suicide rates increased 37%. The order further notes that more than 6,000 veterans commit suicide each year.
President Trump told reporters upon signing the order that it will “ensure that people suffering from debilitating symptoms might finally have a chance to reclaim their lives and lead a happier life.”
