Drug Discovery, Pharmaceuticals & Cannabis Testing
PSYCHEDELICS 101: Emerging Trends, Applications and Advances in Psychedelics Quality Testing
Jonathan Ferguson, Ph.D, Shimadzu Scientifi c Instruments, Maryland, USA. Email:
jtferguson@shimadzu.com
Embarking on a journey that blends the ancient allure of psychedelics with the precision of modern scientifi c inquiry, Shimadzu Scientifi c Instruments stands at the vanguard of a groundbreaking exploration into the therapeutic potential of magic mushrooms. This venture is more than a pursuit of knowledge; it’s a commitment to the safety and well-being of consumers worldwide. As the fi eld of psychedelic study continues to mature, Shimadzu remains committed to provide the research tools to ensure proper investigation to elucidate answers whether in general research, clinical trials, or across research disciplines.
To this end, the Pittcon 2024 San Diego, California symposium, titled ‘PSYCHEDELICS 101: Emerging Trends, Applications, and Advances in Psychedelics Quality Testing’, represented a signifi cant gathering of minds and expertise in the fi eld of psychedelic testing and handling [1]. This event provided a comprehensive overview of the latest trends, applications, and technological advancements critical to the quality testing of psychedelics. Experts from diverse backgrounds shared their insights and fi ndings, contributing to a rich tapestry of knowledge that underscores the complexity and potential of psychedelic compounds in therapeutic applications. The symposium brought together a diverse audience for scientifi c collaboration, drawing researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals together to explore the nuances of psychedelic science. It is a privilege that Shimadzu was able to lead the way to bring together a network of stakeholders to trade and expand ideas to truly make the symposium greater than the sum of its participants. Through presentations, discussions, and collaborative initiatives, the symposium set the stage for future advancements in psychedelic research, paving the way for new discoveries and applications that could revolutionise mental health treatment.
While the need for a psychedelics workshop is largely due to more modern legalisation efforts, the fi eld of psychedelics is decades in the making. The narrative of psychedelics is steeped in human history, weaving through the spiritual practices of indigenous tribes and the cultural revolutions of the 20th century, to emerge within the contemporary landscape of medical research. In the modern world, psychedelics arguably began with the discovery of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) by Albert Hofmann in 1943. In 1957, the term ‘magic mushrooms’ was coined by LIFE magazine, thereby bringing the term readily into the public consciousness. The use of psychedelics continued to gain interest and trials began, albeit with mixed opinions on psychedelics use. While some would argue that the uncertainty surrounding the use of psychedelics should have been addressed with more research, all work on its potential benefi ts abruptly stopped in 1970 with US President Nixon’s listing psychedelics as a Schedule 1 substance. This meant the drug had no accepted medical use and had a high potential for abuse. Research ground to a halt, and it would take decades for research to restart. Certainly, efforts made by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and creation of the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic Research in 1986 and 2006, respectively, gave some hope that research experimentation would continue [2,3]. As the publications have grown and research progressed into phase 2 and 3 trials, it is no surprise that there have also been movements to decriminalise and legalise psychedelic substances. In the USA, Oregon decriminalised psychedelics and created a system for the legal use of psilocybin to treat mental health disorders. Denver, Colorado became the fi rst U.S. jurisdiction to decriminalise the possession of psilocybin. While a select few states have recognised the potential of psychedelics, Federal legislation has mostly remained unchanged [4]. However, in June 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its fi rst draft guidance on clinical trials using psychedelic drugs. Of note was the statement that “Psychedelic drugs show initial promise as potential treatments for mood, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders.” This recognition of the potential benefi ts of psychedelics, while suggesting best practices for further investigation, marked a watershed moment, signaling a shift towards the acceptance and scientifi c exploration on the effi cacy to treat neurological diseases [5].
With the momentum and relevance of psychedelic research established, there remains a need to develop and refi ne the analytical methodology. At the core of Shimadzu’s approach to psychedelic research is our advanced technological arsenal, including mass spectrometry (MS) and liquid chromatography ultraviolet (LC-UV) detection. These tools are indispensable for the accurate and reliable analysis of psychedelic compounds, offering a window into their therapeutic potentials.
Mass spectrometry remains the gold standard in quantitation for its superior sensitivity and selectivity. Using a LCMS-8050 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, multiple samples can be easily quantifi ed once transitions and collision energies have been optimised.
AI image generated by GPT-4
When combined with reversed phase HPLC, samples are cleaned of salts and elute off the column purifi ed and in ideal solvent for mass spectrometry analysis. While matrix effects can still permeate this point of the analysis, tandem MS helps to eliminate interfering signals, improving limits of quantitation.
While this approach offers excellent data and easier method development, we recognise that an LC-UV approach is more amenable to customers who seek an accurate methodology at a lower cost. At Pittcon 2024, we presented an optimised LC-UV method that represented a signifi cant milestone in our efforts to navigate the analytical challenges posed by emerging psychedelics. This method, enhanced by our Intelligent Peak Deconvolution Algorithm (i-PDeA), showcases our commitment to advancing the fi eld of psychedelic research, with a keen focus on data integrity and safety. While this algorithm has proven effective for the separation of pharmaceutical components, we have extended its utility for removing interfering matrix peaks without the need for sample reinjection. Even in instances where multiple overlapping compounds are present, i-PDeA removed the impurities and improved the quantitation. This feature is freely available on LabSolutions software and must be paired with a compatible detection module. Perhaps of greatest benefi t is the ability to reprocess data post-acquisition without the need for costly sample reinjection [6, 7].
Recognising the importance of psychedelics research, the Scottsdale Research Institute, led by key collaborator Dr. Sue Sisley, focuses on exploring psilocybin’s effi cacy in treating depression, a testament to our dedication to addressing critical mental health issues.
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