By I. Edwards HealthDay Reporter<\/b>
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MONDAY, June 16, 2025 (HealthDay News) \u2014 Texas has moved to fund research into ibogaine<\/a>, a psychedelic drug that may help treat addiction, depression and brain injuries.<\/p>\n Gov. Greg Abbott<\/a> signed a bill last week approving $50 million in state funds for ibogaine research, The New York Times <\/em>reported.<\/p>\n The goal is to support clinical trials and bring in another $50 million in private investment to help ibogaine win approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The process could take years.<\/p>\n Ibogaine is made from the root of a plant found in Africa. It has been banned in the U.S. since the 1960s, but many experts say it could help people who have not responded to other treatments.<\/p>\n Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry<\/a> said problems affecting military veterans helped persuade conservative lawmakers to support the measure.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom a political standpoint, veterans are a very appreciated population,\u201d said Perry, a U.S. Air Force veteran and the measure\u2019s most prominent supporter.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we had said we\u2019re going to do this for the homeless or the prison population, the Legislature might not have been as willing to get on board,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n The law directs Texas universities and hospitals to lead the research. It also makes sure the state keeps a share in future profits if the drug is approved.<\/p>\n This is \u201cthe Manhattan Project of our time,\u201d said Bryan Hubbard<\/a>, who leads the nonprofit Americans for Ibogaine<\/a>. He has been pushing for similar programs in at least 20 states, The Times <\/em>reported.<\/p>\n Ibogaine is a psychedelic that causes powerful hallucinations and can last for hours. Some studies suggest it may help people stop using opioids or other drugs, even after just one session.<\/p>\n In Brazil, the therapy has helped thousands. A 2024 study published in the journal Nature Medicine<\/a><\/em> found that military veterans with brain injuries saw major mental and physical improvements after just one ibogaine session.<\/p>\n Researchers believe ibogaine helps rewire the brain by encouraging it to grow new neurons and promote neuroplasticity. That\u2019s the brain\u2019s ability to reorganize and adapt throughout life.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are cautiously optimistic that ibogaine could be the first drug to rehab people with traumatic brain injury,” said Dr. Nolan Williams<\/a>, director of Stanford University\u2019s Brain Stimulation Lab, who led the Nature Medicine<\/em> study.<\/p>\n Ibogaine can be dangerous for people with heart problems. But experts say the risks can be lowered through heart screenings, close monitoring and giving magnesium before and during treatment, The Times <\/em>added in its report.<\/p>\n Because ibogaine is natural and can\u2019t be patented, many drug companies have not invested in it. But some are working on lab-made versions that could possibly be safer.<\/p>\n One such company, Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals<\/a>, got a $14 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse last year to study its version \u2014 one without heart risks.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is obviously a huge step in the right direction, but I worry about too much hype,\u201d Andrew Kruegel<\/a>, the company\u2019s chief scientific officer, said.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople want a miracle, because we need a miracle to solve some of these drug addiction issues we\u2019re facing in this country,” he added. “But it\u2019s going to take a lot of time and money and I just don\u2019t want us to get ahead of ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n The move by Texas marks one of the largest state-funded efforts into psychedelic therapy.<\/p>\n Other states like Oregon and Colorado have already launched legal clinics using psilocybin, the compound found in mushrooms, The Times <\/em>reported.<\/p>\n Still, not all efforts have succeeded. The FDA recently rejected MDMA, also known as Ecstasy<\/a>, for PTSD<\/a> treatment, saying the benefits didn\u2019t outweigh the risks.<\/p>\n Dr. Martin Polanco<\/a>, who has helped 1,300 veterans get ibogaine therapy outside the U.S., hailed this action by Texas.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is definitely historic,\u201d he told The Times<\/em>. \u201cAnd it\u2019s especially significant that it\u2019s happening in Texas, because a lot of conservative states look to Texas to craft their own legislation.\u201d<\/p>\n More information<\/strong><\/p>\n ScienceDirect has more on ibogaine<\/a>.<\/p>\n