Speaker Bio
A/Prof Perkins is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Centre for Mental Health at Swinburne University, and a Senior Research Fellow in the School of Population and Global Health at the University of Melbourne, as well as being the Co-Executive Director of Psychae Institute and Co-CEO of Psychae Therapeutics, Australian research and drug development organisations aiming to progress innovative psychedelic therapies as registered medical treatments. Daniel also previously worked in government as the Director of the Office of Medicinal Cannabis in the Victorian Department of Health, focused on research, regulation and drug development activities. He has led a range of psychedelics studies including the world’s largest ever study of almost 10,000 ayahuasca drinkers in 50 countries and is presently an investigator on several clinical trials of psychedelic compounds, including an Australian government funded RCT investigating the use of a DMT based drug for depression and alcohol use disorder.
ICPR 2024 Abstract
Navigating the clinical potential of DMT-harmalas: Considering safety, efficacy and adaptability
Theoretical Background and Rationale: Ayahuasca, the traditional botanical Amazonian brew containing DMT and harmala alkaloids, as well as alternative forms of this beverage utilising different plants, are gaining increasing attention globally in alternative healing, medical research, and drug development settings due to apparent mental health, substance use, and broader wellbeing benefits.
Research Question and Hypothesis: It remains unclear the extent to which DMT-harmala preparations will remain safe and effective if used outside of traditional or contemporary ceremonial contexts, as well as particular adaptations that may be required to Western clinical settings to optimise patient outcomes and safety.
Methods and Analysis: This presentation draws on the extensive published and forthcoming research of our group in this area, including a recently completed Phase 1 study, to consider key questions relating to optimising the clinical setting and psychological support model1, indication and dosing regimen selection2, key mechanisms of action3,4, and potential challenges with integration and adverse effects5.
Main findings: Our data indicates that DMT-harmala based medicines are relatively adaptable across contexts and may have broad applicability to a range of mental health and addictive disorders, for which they appear to provide wellbeing and lifestyle benefits in addition to reductions in psychopathology. However, careful development of associated treatment models and consideration of indication and patient selection will be important.
Conclusion: Although our findings remain preliminary, they are encouraging of further controlled studies to better understand the efficacy and safety of DMT-harmala based medicines in clinical settings.