Exploring a Novel Approach to Generalized Anxiety Disorder: MM120 (LSD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is distinct from everyday anxiety, frequently enough manifesting as tangible physical symptoms. constant worry triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones that can lead to muscle tension, rapid breathing, headaches, insomnia, and even cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal problems.
Current treatments for GAD typically involve medications like Zoloft and Paxil,which work by regulating serotonin levels in the brain. Though, studies show these medications offer a relatively modest enhancement - an average reduction of 1.25 points on a 56-point anxiety scale - which may not be significant enough for all patients.
Researchers are now investigating the potential of psychedelics, specifically LSD in pharmaceutical form (MM120), as a therapeutic option.Previous trials with Ecstasy for PTSD have demonstrated the potential of this class of drugs to positively shift mood and emotions within a carefully controlled clinical environment.
MM120’s primary mechanism of action is believed to be the promotion of neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This could possibly disrupt ingrained negative thought patterns and enhance interaction between different brain regions, addressing the rigid thinking often associated with GAD.
Initial results from a study published in JAMA involving approximately 200 participants with moderate-to-severe GAD have been promising. A single dose of MM120, in addition to the effects of a placebo, resulted in a reduction of five to six points on the anxiety scale over a 12-week period. This level of improvement is important enough to potentially reclassify moderate GAD as mild in some individuals.
While MM120 has shown efficacy, it’s not without potential side effects. Participants in the study experienced mild to moderate effects such as hallucinations, visual distortions, nausea, and headache. These side effects where more common at the highest dosage tested, which researchers have since determined is no more effective than lower doses and will not be used in ongoing trials. Proactive administration of anti-nausea medication and limiting participants to a light breakfast helped mitigate nausea.
Recruiting participants for the study presents a unique challenge. The individuals who would benefit most – those with debilitating anxiety who struggle to leave their homes – are often the least likely to seek out clinical trials. to address this, skilled clinicians conduct thorough screenings, focusing on building trust and encouraging vulnerability through careful observation and rapport-building.
Interested in learning more or participating?
Information about MM120 trial sites at UCSF and other California locations can be found at: https://clinicaltrials.ucsf.edu/trial/NCT06741228
Further details about additional MM120 trial sites are available at: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06809595
(Image: UCSF Professor Jennifer Mitchell, PhD, speaks with UCSF clinical research coordinator sydney Griffith in the Neuroscape Psychedelics Division therapy room, at UCSF’s Mission Bay campus. Photo by Noah Berger)
