BetterLife Pharma Inc (CSE:BETR) (OTCQB:BETRF) (FRA:NPAU) announced that it has applied for patent protection for a novel implant device designed to prevent the potential side effects of patients self-administering more psilocybin or LSD than prescribed for in mental health treatment.
LSD and psilocybin microdosing is currently in multiple ongoing clinical trials, the company noted, and one issue it says is being majorly overlooked is the possibility of a patient consuming a full psychedelic dose of psilocybin or LSD as opposed to the prescribed microdose, or the resale of the drugs to someone other than the patient.
BetterLife has addressed this problem with this implant, administered by an in-office procedure performed by a physician. The technical specification includes the option for a pulsatile release in accordance with current microdosed psychedelic protocols as well as an extended duration of release.
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Controlled substances, including but not limited to psychedelic drugs such as LSD and psylocibin, have recently become of interest for the treatment of mental health disorders among other medical indications,” BetterLife CEO Ahmad Doroudian said in a statement.
“A problem associated with the dispensing of controlled substances is the risk of the patient self-administering a larger dose than prescribed. This can result in addiction, intoxication, overdose, and possibly death. The application of our novel implantable subcutaneous product will enable widespread use of such drugs without the associated risks of unintentional misdosing or intentional diversion,” he added.
BetterLife’s product allows for the administration of one or more drugs, the company said, including extended-release or other controlled-release medications. In addition to overcoming the drug diversion issue, it will potentially greatly assist in reducing the burden on patients as well as associated healthcare costs for certain repeat dosing treatments.
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