Numinus Wellness Inc. (TSX:NUMI, OTC:LKYSF) revealed that it has partnered with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) to support psychedelic experiential opportunities for practitioners as part of a clinical study.
The partnership aims to provide training and expand knowledge about MDMA-assisted therapy through a clinical trial conducted by Numinus if approved by Health Canada.
The Clinical Trial Application (CTA) has been submitted to Health Canada by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Numinus Wellness. If approved, the trial would allow practitioners interested in MDMA-assisted therapy to observe and experience MDMA sessions, enhancing their understanding of psychedelic-assisted therapy. The clinical trial will use clinical MDMA produced by Optimi, a licensed Canadian-based drug manufacturer and formulator.
In a statement, Payton Nyquvest, founder and CEO of Numinus commented: "If the trial protocol is approved, Numinus would be best positioned to provide training with our experiential opportunities."
He added: "Practitioners who complete our MDMA-assisted therapy education program, or have already completed previous MDMA-assisted therapy programs and are qualified to enroll in our Practical Applications course, would be able to apply to participate in the experiential clinical trial – enabling them to observe, deliver, and receive the therapeutic protocol as part of their training experience."
The trial, titled 'A Phase 1, Open-Label, Single-Arm Study to Evaluate MDMA Experiential Training in Healthy Volunteers and Expand Knowledge and Qualifications of Therapists Planning to Conduct MDMA-Assisted Therapy (NUMT1)', would initially take place at Numinus' clinics in Vancouver, with the possibility of expanding to other locations.
Both Numinus and MAPS expressed their excitement about the collaboration. Rick Doblin, founder and President of MAPS, emphasized the importance of experiential training for practitioners in various therapeutic modalities. He praised Numinus for supporting MAPS goal of providing training to practitioners who may one day administer psychedelic-assisted therapy to those in need.
If the NUMT1 clinical trial protocol is approved, participants will have the opportunity to play both experiential and observational roles, receiving MDMA-assisted therapy while also observing another participant's therapy session under the supervision of a trained provider.
Numinus said it intends to recruit volunteers for the trial through its practitioner training program and from practitioners who have completed the MAPS protocol training.
Numinus is dedicated to developing and delivering innovative mental health care and evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapies. The company aims to transform mental health treatment by focusing on healing rather than symptom management for conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, pain, and substance use.
Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com