Could Psychedelic Therapy Fight Depression?

Could Psychedelic Therapy Fight Depression?
Wisconsin Technology Council

Treatment for addiction, depression and post-traumatic stress are among the targets of research into psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient found in so-called “magic” mushrooms. Learn how the Madison-based Usona Institute is a part of a worldwide research trend by attending the 10 a.m., August 24 webinar hosted by the Wisconsin Technology Council.

The webinar is the latest in the Tech Council Innovation Network’s continuing webinar series, “Crossing the Coronavirus Chasm.” Tech Council Innovation Network and Investor Networks members may register at no charge; the price for non-members is $20 for general admission and $10 for students and returning veterans.  

Counter-culture excesses of the 1960s led to psychedelic therapy research being outlawed in the United States for decades, but respected medical institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, New York University, the University of California-Los Angeles and London’s Imperial College have all conducted clinical trials of late for therapies derived from psilocybin.

The Usona Institute was founded in 2014 by Bill Linton, chief executive officer and founder of Fitchburg-based Promega, to study the therapeutic effects of psilocybin. In 2019, Usona Institute received breakthrough therapy designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 

Providing an overview of Usona’s work will be Tura Patterson, senior director of strategic partnerships, and Dr. Chuck Raison, Usona’s director of clinical and translational research and a UW-Madison psychiatrist.

“We’ll hear how derivatives of psilocybin, combined with psychotherapy, are producing clinical results that have already prompted a surge of investments and may soon lead to FDA-approved therapies,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council.

The webinar is sponsored by Old National Bank and is in partnership with the Wisconsin Healthcare Business Forum.

The Wisconsin Technology Council is the independent, non-profit science and technology adviser to the governor and Legislature, with events, publications and outreach that contribute to Wisconsin’s tech-based economy. To join, go to www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com or call 608-442-7557.