Psilocybin mushroom programme
Groundbreaking collaboration achieves milestones for indigenous Psilocybe mushrooms cultivation and clinical trial.
Rua Bioscience is pleased to announce a number of exciting milestones in a health research collaboration focused on the production of indigenous mushrooms containing the psychoactive psilocybin.
The company has been granted an expanded licence by Manatū Hauora, the NZ Ministry of Health, to now research all ten indigenous Psilocybe varieties. The cultivation program, led by Rua Bioscience and local experts, has sourced fungi, established cultivation facilities and sample testing is now being undertaken at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).
A new research agreement has been executed involving eight partners: Rangiwaho Marae, Institute of Environmental Science & Research (ESR), Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, the Mātai Medical Research Institute, Tūranga Health, IO Limited, the New Zealand Drug Foundation and Rua Bioscience. Other partners are expected to participate in the collaboration as the research progresses.
Phase I of the marae-based psilocybin clinical trial protocol received full approval from the Health & Disability Ethics Committees (HDEC), and the Health Research Council Standing Committee On Therapeutic Trials (SCOTT) has granted conditional approval for the trial to proceed.
The Tū Wairua collaboration brings together leading experts and organisations in a concerted effort to deepen understanding of indigenous varieties of Psilocybe fungi and explore their therapeutic potential. This collaboration aligns with Rua Bioscience's mission to harness the power of nature to improve health outcomes and promote well-being.
Paul Naske, CEO of Rua Bioscience, said, "We are incredibly excited to embark on this journey with our esteemed partners. Through the Tū Wairua collaboration, we aim to investigate the potential of indigenous Psilocybe varieties to benefit individuals and communities alike. By combining local knowledge with scientific research, Tū Wairua can pave the way for innovative approaches to health and wellness with mana whenua leading the process."
Jymal Morgan, General Manager Māori Impact at ESR, expressed his organisation's enthusiasm, stating, "ESR is proud to be part of the Tū Wairua collaboration, which aligns closely with our commitment to honouring and supporting Māori communities. ESR is bringing our expertise in analytical chemistry to Mātauranga Māori to enable innovation."
Jody Toroa, a trustee at Rangiwaho Marae said the marae whānau were pleased to be the conduit for such an innovative initiative bringing together mātauranga Māori, health researchers and medicine manufacturing companies. “This is new ground for everyone involved, it’s complex but so interesting for our whānau and we can’t wait to see whether it might help those we know suffering from addictions and historical trauma.” Rangiwaho Marae has facilitated access to kaupapa Māori trainers who will work along psychedelic therapy trainers to prepare a team of kaitieki or guides, to support participants in each phase of the clinical trial.
Dr. Patrick McHugh, clinical lead at the Mātai Medical Research Institute, highlighted the potential impact of the collaboration, stating, "Mātai is thrilled to join forces with Rua Bioscience and other partners in the Tū Wairua collaboration. By combining our expertise in research and technology, we can unlock new insights into the therapeutic potential of indigenous Psilocybe varieties."