Human review coming soon.
Trump Fast-Tracks Review of Psychedelic Drugs
President Trump signed an order on Saturday directing the Food and Drug Administration to speed up its review of psychedelic drugs. The order includes a drug called ibogaine.
Veteran groups say ibogaine may help treat post-traumatic stress disorder. Ibogaine is currently in the most restricted drug category in the United States.
It can sometimes cause serious heart problems. Those safety concerns are part of why a faster review matters.
At the signing Trump joked about asking for ibogaine himself. Reports say the Food and Drug Administration may issue priority vouchers for three psychedelics next week. Those vouchers could make the approval process much shorter.
Klear Note — Psychedelic drugs are currently banned or heavily restricted in the US. The FDA normally takes years to approve new medicines. Priority vouchers speed up that process significantly.
Key Terms 5
- executive order
- A direct instruction from the president that has the force of law
- Food and Drug Administration
- US government body that decides if medicines are safe to use
- ibogaine
- A plant-based psychedelic drug being studied to treat PTSD
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- A mental health condition caused by experiencing traumatic events
- priority vouchers
- Special permits that allow a drug to be reviewed and approved faster