Summer 2025: Changing the Landscape of Psychedelic Medicine

This summer brought several landmark developments in the world of psychedelic therapy. While they differ in scale, together, they reveal the gradual but steady progress of the field. 

In June, New Zealand granted the first permission to an individual physician to use psilocybin as a therapy for treatment-resistant depression. This is a symbolic step towards broader reform, as the country acknowledges the need for new approaches and gives specific patients a chance to try this therapy. 

In July, UK-based Beckley Psytech announced the results of the second phase of its study on BPL-003 (a derivative of 5-MeO-DMT) for treatment-resistant depression. The positive topline results showed that treatment was well-tolerated, and the researchers are already initiating a phase 3 study.  This compelling data provides further evidence that new treatments  have the potential to change people’s lives. 

In August, two European countries made decisive moves in clinical practice. In Germany, two centers received authorization to prescribe psilocybin to patients with treatment-resistant depression under a compassionate use program. In Norway, the state decided to cover intravenous ketamine treatment for treatment-resistant depression. This means that hundreds of patients will gain access to therapy that was previously out of reach. 

For Ukraine, these developments resonate strongly. We see that the world is gradually opening up to new approaches and is beginning to integrate them into healthcare systems. This strengthens our belief that innovative methods can also become a reality in our country — and help those who are now living with the trauma of war, loss, and pain. 

The developments of this summer show that psychedelic medicine is moving from theoretical and experimental phases into clinical practice around the world. And each of these steps bring us closer to the moment when Ukrainian veterans and civilians alike will also have access to the most advanced care.