Editorial Emerging therapeutic opportunities for psychedelic and related drugs
Susan Wonnacott, Gary J. Stephens, T. Sharp
April 1, 2026 DOI: 10.22541/au.177505774.48075799/v1 via OpenAlex
Summary
Psychedelic and related drugs are gaining attention as potential therapies for a variety of challenging conditions beyond just neuropsychiatric disorders. This collection of reviews and articles discusses the mechanisms of these drugs, the state of preclinical research and clinical trials, and the regulatory processes for clinical approval. It also addresses current controversies and challenges in the field while emphasizing the promising potential of these therapies.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | The collection highlights the exciting potential of psychedelics as therapies for difficult-to-treat conditions. |
|---|
Abstract
Increasing interest in psychedelic and related drugs as potential therapies for a wide spectrum of difficult to treat conditions that extend beyond neuropsychiatric disorders provided the impetus for this Themed Issue. This collection of reviews and original articles includes the mechanistic basis of how these drugs act, the current status of preclinical research and progress in clinical trials, and insight into the regulatory processes that determine clinical approval. In this Editorial we introduce these aspects and provide an overview of current controversies and challenges in the field, as well as highlighting the exciting potential that these drugs offer.