studies established

Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression

A single 25 mg dose produced significantly greater reduction in depression scores at three weeks than the 1 mg control, establishing a dose-response signal in the largest psilocybin depression trial to date.

Goodwin, Aaronson, Alvarez, et al. (COMPASS Pathways) January 1, 2022

Key finding — A single 25 mg dose produced significantly greater reduction in depression scores at three weeks than the 1 mg control, establishing a dose-response signal in the largest psilocybin depression trial to date.

Study at a glance

Field

Detail

Institution

Multi-site (COMPASS Pathways COMP360)

Design

Randomized, double-blind, dose-finding phase 2b trial

Sample size

233 participants

Intervention

Single dose of 25 mg, 10 mg, or 1 mg (control) synthetic psilocybin (COMP360)

Year

2022

Condition

Treatment-resistant depression

Journal

New England Journal of Medicine

Evidence

established

Limitations

Benefit narrowed over 12 weeks; adverse events including suicidal ideation were reported, and the 1 mg comparator is not a true inert placebo.

Editorial note

The largest randomized psilocybin depression trial conducted to date and the centerpiece of the commercial COMP360 development program. Its scale makes it the strongest single dataset on dose-response, while its mixed durability and safety signals illustrate why phase 3 trials are needed.

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Summary written by MMI Editorial for clarity. Always consult the primary source for full methodology and results. The confidence rating reflects our assessment of evidence strength.