The Policy Center’s work tracking new treatments and insurance coverage of these treatments is made possible by donations from people like you.

Background on Psychedelics for Mental Health Treatment 

In recent years there has been increasing interest in the use of psychedelic drugs to treat various mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, treatment-resistant depression, and other mental health conditions.  The psychedelic drugs currently being researched include MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also called Ecstasy or Molly), psilocybin, LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide, also known as “acid”) and ketamine. While the exact mechanisms of the therapeutic effects are still being studied, it is believed that psychedelics have the potential to increase neuroplasticity. Enhanced therapeutic outcomes are often seen when the use of psychedelics is paired with psychotherapy, which can help patients better process past traumas and develop new neural patterns.  

A new psychedelic treatment for postpartum depression is now being studied

In 2024, Reunion Neuroscience announced the launch of phase 2 of the RECONNECT clinical trial, a psychedelic treatment for postpartum depression (PPD). The clinical trial began in July of this year and the trial is expected to end in 2025.  

RECONNECT Phase 2 is actively recruiting participants for the study.  If you or someone you know is struggling with moderate to severe PPD and would like more information regarding the trial, please visit the study website.

“Dosing the first patient in our RECONNECT Phase 2 trial represents an important step forward in our mission of improving the lives of patients and families impacted by PPD,” said Greg Mayes, President and Chief Executive Officer of Reunion. “There is a clear need for fast-acting, single-dose treatments with durable efficacy for PPD patients. Reunion is committed to serving not only the unmet need in PPD but also the broader community affected by mental health disorders through its development programs.”

More about the RECONNECT Phase 2 Clinical Trial

The RECONNECT Phase 2 study is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial assessing the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous 30 mg RE104 versus an active dose control (1.5 mg) in adult female patients with moderate to severe PPD. 

The Policy Center will continue to report on this study and its outcomes.