Landscape analysis of pre-registered clinical trials involving classical psychedelics
Journal of Psychopharmacology October 21, 2025 Abdo Uyar, Linda Forbrich, Ulrike Lueken et al. 4 citations
Psychedelic clinical trials have grown exponentially since 2006, with a sharp acceleration after 2019. Psilocybin is the most studied substance and closest to approval, while short-acting psychedelics like 5-MeO-DMT have recently entered trials with narrower clinical goals. Industry involvement is rising, but university-led research still dominates. Reporting of psychotherapy components increased after 2023 FDA recommendations, yet descriptions of interventions remain inconsistent. The rapid expansion across diverse indications and substances reflects growing clinical interest, though industry prioritizes scalability and approval. Incomplete reporting of psychotherapeutic elements limits cross-study comparisons and understanding of which therapeutic combinations optimize outcomes.