As the world emerges from a global pandemic, the focus on mental health is more vital than ever before. Depression, anxiety, neurological pain and drug dependency are commonplace amongst millions of people – the Lancet Commission estimates mental health will cost the world $16 trillion by 2030 – so why are existing treatment methods failing?
The mental illness epidemic has brought this question to light, and the psychedelics sector could hold some answers or, at the very least, some hope. Biopharma innovator Carvin Medicines looks to be at the forefront of the novel medicines revolution.
“We are on the leading edge of developing treatment protocols for chronic neurogenic disease with novel medicines,” states Carvin’s website. Based in Switzerland with operations in Israel, Carvin provides cutting-edge technology for the psychedelics industry, working with global leaders in LSD and medicinal mushroom research. Carvin’s chronic pain management focus is highly unique, with two projects underway at the research level that could prove revolutionary.
The first, Project Orion, is geared toward creating a non-addictive pain solution through micro and low-dose formulations of LSD. The goal is to create a pain management system that does not rely on highly addictive opiates or other drugs with dangerous and adverse side effects. In addition, Orion is exploring the treatment of pain indicators from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
The second, Project Oracle, is focused on developing a psilocybin-based drug that promotes neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to change, adapt and modify its structure. This drug can potentially treat debilitating mental and functional disorders, such as stroke recovery, where treatment and recovery were not options.
Both projects have received positive reviews from research, studies, and indicators with solid results, with Project Orion moving towards the final drug formulation.
Carvin Medicines holds a unique position within the psychedelics industry, as they have an exclusive partnership with a pharmaceutical company. Alpex Pharma S.A., a 37-year-old Swiss pharma company, has the facilities, partnerships and FDA approval to develop, manufacture, formulate and register drug candidates. Furthermore, this grants Carvin access to delivery systems for existing drugs in Alpex’s repertoire, such as dissolving tablets and slow-release formulations. These results and level of control are unheard of in the sector and give Carvin the upper hand in research, analysis, and potential commercialization.
The psychedelics sector is primed to take off. Canada made amendments to the Special Access Program in 2022, allowing physicians, researchers and doctors to request psychedelics for patients, and many U.S states have taken steps to decriminalize psychedelic substances. The sector has responded in kind, with a large influx of startups, partnerships and investors flooding the space. As a result, data Bridge Market Research estimates the psychedelic market in the U.S alone could be worth $9.8 billion by 2029.
Carvin looks to stand alone. Their unique focus, a team of global leaders, positive results and partnership with Alpex S.A separates them from the pack and allows them to push the boundaries of how we treat mental illness and pain.
