Definium's LSD Therapy Cuts Anxiety in Second Late-Stage Trial — SkimNews
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- Definium Therapeutics said Monday that its LSD therapy DT120 reduced anxiety symptoms in a second late-stage trial, with patients on a 100-microgram dose showing a 9.8-point drop on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale versus 4.7 points for placebo over 12 weeks.
- The 5.1-point treatment difference closely mirrors Definium's first late-stage anxiety study and exceeds what has been observed with many other anxiety therapies, though the source notes cross-study comparisons are difficult.
- Definium is now positioned to seek what would be the first regulatory approval of a psychedelic drug for anxiety, placing it among the first wave of biotechs nearing such clearances.
- Patients in the trial reported anxiety improvements as early as the second day after dosing — a markedly faster onset than traditional antidepressants, which the source notes typically take weeks to kick in.
- The drug's rapid-acting profile is a key differentiator from existing options, potentially making psychedelic therapies especially attractive to patients seeking faster relief.
Why it matters: Definium's second positive late-stage readout puts the company on track to file for the first FDA approval of a psychedelic for anxiety. The two-day onset contrasts with the weeks-long wait for traditional antidepressants, and if approved, DT120 would establish a new regulatory class for psychedelic treatments.
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