Australia’s drug regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administer, rejected an application seeking to have two currently prohibited drugs rescheduled as controlled medicines.
The proposal aimed to make it easier for doctors to prescribe psilocybin and MDMA to people suffering from chronic anxiety, depression and PTSD.
However, the regulator did not rule out future use of psilocybin in treatment of mental illness, stating that more research was necessary to prove its safety and efficacy.
The application was made by Mind Medicine Australia following successful international clinical trials.
Though disappointed by the decision Mind Medicine Australia remains hopeful, stating “we have to remember that these are only interim decisions."
"We remain hopeful that the Secretary will reconsider his position and agree to the rescheduling of these medicines from Schedule 9 (Prohibited Substances) to Schedule 8 (Controlled Medicines)."