OPEN FOUNDATION News & BLOGs

Two pieces of preclinical research shed light on two of the hottest topics in psychedelic science: the 5-HT2AR and microdosing. These two studies have the potential to redefine our understanding of these compounds and significantly advance the field of scientific research in the realm of neuropsychiatric disorders and drug therapies, particularly for examining the molecular, cellular, pharmacological, physiological, and behavioural effects of psychedelic drugs in living organisms.

During the last week of August, OPEN facilitated the ‘Substance, Set and Setting’ workshop. More than fifty researchers and practitioners from the field of psychedelic science and therapy convened for five intensive days to discuss the entanglement of ‘substance, set and setting’, aiming to create new research models and guidelines to further understanding of how non-pharmacological factors affect the psychedelic experience.

Let’s wear our preclinical researcher’s hats for a minute and suppose we forget about the BDNF receptors, intracellular 5-HT2ARs, and the reopening of critical periods. In that case, one thing is clear about classic psychedelics: neuronal surface 5-HT2ARs are the doors of hallucinations. Welp… guess what! The story is not that simple!

Set and setting are deemed essential in preparation and facilitating therapeutic outcome in the landscape of psychedelic-assisted therapy. But what about potential environmental influences from the past, a phenomenon also referred to as ‘imprinting’?

Presenting a comprehensive study comparing psychedelics, meditation, and hypnosis, shedding light on their therapeutic applications in treating psychiatric disorders. Gain insights into the mind’s enigmatic experiences and potential future breakthroughs.

On June 23rd, 2023, the FDA made history in the psychedelics space by presenting its first-ever recommendations and considerations for executing clinical trials involving psychedelic drugs. With the growing popularity and research in this field, it’s a significant step forward in governmental institutions recognizing the potential of these substances.

Last week, OPEN executive director Joost Breeksema and OPEN board members Michiel van Elk and Patricia Posters gave lectures during the second edition of the Summer School on Psychedelic Research in Groningen, which was co-organised the OPEN Foundation.

The chronicles of the psychedelic renaissance continue as Ernst Kuipers responds to a recent report regarding its potential therapeutic use. This article provides a brief recap of the past year and summarizes Kuipers’ response that could provide a glimpse of what the future of psychedelic-assisted therapy and research in the Netherlands is going to look like.