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Compass Pathways reports successful Phase 3. And could a simple blood test predict Alzheimer's disease years before symptoms show?
Compass Pathways announced that the second Phase 3 trial of COMP360 successfully met its primary endpoint, showing that it produced a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in depression severity compared with a low-dose control.
These results complement prior successes in the first Phase 3, trial giving the program consistency across two pivotal studies. Both trials demonstrated rapid onset of effect and durability through 6 weeks, with a well-tolerated safety profile. Based on this data, Compass has requested a meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to discuss a rolling NDA submission, with an eye toward filing in Q4 2026. Here’s more: https://ir.compasspathways.com/News--Events-/news/news-details/2026/Compass-Pathways-Successfully-Achieves-Primary-Endpoint-in-Second-Phase-3-Trial-Evaluating-COMP360-Psilocybin-for-Treatment-Resistant-Depression/default.aspx
Helus Pharma announced that Nature Medicine published results from its randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2a trial of SPL026 in adults with moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder (MDD).
The single-dose study met its primary endpoint, showing a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in depression severity compared with the placebo. The antidepressant effects were noticeable as early as one week after dosing and persisted for up to three months in many participants, with no treatment-related serious adverse events reported.
Helus confirmed that while it is not advancing SPL026 in its current intravenous form, the data support development of its pipeline of short-acting serotonergic agonists, including the Phase 2 program for HLP004 in generalized anxiety disorder, with topline data expected in Q1 2026. Check it out:
A new study published in Nature Medicine suggested that a simple blood test may soon be able to predict when someone will begin showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, potentially years before cognitive decline becomes apparent.
Researchers analyzed levels of a brain-linked protein called p-tau217 in more than 600 adults (ages 62–78) who were initially symptom-free, tracking changes over up to a decade. Using statistical “clock” models, the team could estimate how many years away a person might be from developing memory and thinking problems, with an accuracy of about three to four years. Scientists believe that this could be a potential tool for guiding clinical trials and future early-intervention strategies. Here’s more: https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/study-finds-blood-test-can-predict-age-alzheimers-onset
Did you know that LSD-induced increases in brain entropy (a measure of the variability and complexity of neural activity) may have protective effects against seizures?
In animal models, scientists found that when the brain enters a higher-entropy state (similar to what happens under LSD), it becomes less likely to transition into the highly synchronized neural activity that characterizes epileptic seizures. This points to a potential link between altered brain dynamics and seizure suppression, opening up new avenues for understanding both psychedelic brain states and novel therapeutic strategies for epilepsy.
The findings don’t mean LSD or psychedelics are ready-made seizure treatments, but they do highlight how changes in neural complexity could be harnessed for brain-health applications. Check it out: https://www.psypost.org/surprising-new-research-links-lsd-induced-brain-entropy-to-seizure-protection/
