Study: Brief Psychedelic Nasal Spray Eases Stubborn Depression For Weeks
Home › Drug & Medication News Research led by Mathieu Seynaeve, MD (King’s College London / AtaiBeckley) A clinical trial published in JAMA tested a drug called mebufotenin, also known as 5-MeO-DMT, whose psychedelic experience is unusually short. Earlier research cited in the paper found its effects peak 8 to 15 minutes after dosing and fade within 45 to 60 minutes. Between September 2023 and April 2025, 193 adults ages 18 to 75 took part at 38 sites across Australia, Europe, and the United States. All had moderate to severe depression that had not improved on two to five antidepressants. Their average age was 41, 59% were female, and 89% were white. Depression was scored on a 60-point scale, with higher numbers meaning worse symptoms. Scores were compared at day 29, and participants were tracked through day 57. Beckley Psytech funded the study, and its employees helped design the…