STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about U.S.-funded psychedelic trials, an AstraZeneca R&D center, and more

Rise and shine, everyone, another busy day is on the way. And it is getting off to a pleasant start here on the Pharmalot campus, where clear blue skies and comfy breezes are greeting us. As for the official mascots, they are happily snoozing in their respective corners. As for us, we are firing up the trusty kettle for another cuppa stimulation. Our choice today is honeybush vanilla turmeric. Of course, you are invited to join us. For the full experience, we are now hawking replicas — take a look. Meanwhile, here are a few items of interest. As always, do keep in touch. We appreciate feedback, criticism, and tips. … The Trump administration is advancing the first government-funded clinical trials of the psychedelic drug ibogaine to treat opioid addiction and ​post-traumatic stress disorder, Reuters says. The initiative ⁠follows an executive order signed last April by President Trump that dedicated $50 million ​to the federal ibogaine research, as well as recent calls by experts and ​veterans for strict safety standards on psychedelic treatments. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it has opened a public docket seeking feedback on trial design, dose selection, patient ​eligibility, safety monitoring, study-stopping rules, and oversight by Nov. 20. AstraZeneca’s pivot towards the U.S. market has continued with the opening of a new R&D center in the biotech hotspot of Cambridge, Mass., the centerpiece of a $1 billion investment program in the state, Pharmaphorum explains. The new facility in the Kendall Square area — which is one of the densest biotech clusters in the world, with hundreds of small and large biopharma companies present — covers 570,000 square feet of lab and office space over 18 stories. The center is part of a major investment program by the U.K.-based company that was first announced in 2024 and dramatically expanded to around $50 billion last year. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe