NEWS CHICAGO and TORONTO, March 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wesana Health Holdings Inc. (“Wesana” or the “Company”) (CSE: WESA; OTCQB: WSNAF), a data-driven life sciences company focused on developing the novel therapies of tomorrow and delivering new care paradigms today, has announced data from an animal study, conducted by an independent global laboratory services provider in a validated model of depression.
Results of the study showed that administration of imipramine given three weeks following a psilocybin loading dose provided an additional 39% further improvement in depressive behaviors from that of psilocybin loading dose alone. Furthermore, a second administration of imipramine given four weeks after a psilocybin loading dose provided an even greater reduction (45%) in depressive behaviors.
“These results demonstrate that psilocybin has the ability to potentiate the effects of antidepressant medications,” said Mark Wingertzahn, Wesana Chief Scientific Officer. “These data could signal a shift in how we develop future clinical treatments for depression using both psilocybin and anti-depressants to optimize outcomes.”
While there are a number of available therapies to treat depression, only 60%–70% of patients respond to antidepressant therapy. Of those who do not respond, 10%–30% exhibit treatment-resistant symptoms1, highlighting the need for additional therapeutic options. Further, despite the established importance of treating depression, only 44% of TBI patients with major depressive disorder received antidepressants or counseling2. Of those treated, there is limited evidence supporting the efficacy of antidepressants in the treatment of post-TBI depression3. These new findings suggest that combination therapy could provide more consistent and robust effects over time.
“I’m proud of the work my team has done to continue investigating the full potential of psilocybin alone and in combination with other medications in order to one day provide tailored medication regimens that have an optimized benefit:risk profile,” added Daniel Carcillo, Wesana Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “I look forward to further investigations to address the massive need in our communities today.”
Additionally, The Company has entered into an engagement letter with MDM Worldwide for the provision of market awareness and investor relations services. The engagement has a six-month term at a rate of US$8,000 per month and upon completion, the issuance of 25,000 Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs"). MDM Worldwide is a digital communications agency that develops and manages online engagement strategies to connect companies with their stakeholders. MDM specializes in working with clients in the technology, healthcare and life sciences spaces.
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1 Al-Harbi KS. Treatment-resistant depression: therapeutic trends, challenges, and future directions. Patient preference and adherence. 2012;6:369-388.
2 Bombardier CH, Fann JR, Temkin NR, Esselman PC, Barber J, Dikmen SS. Rates of major depressive disorder and clinical outcomes following traumatic brain injury. JAMA. 2010;303(19):1938-45.
3 Robert S. Traumatic brain injury and mood disorders. Ment Health Clin. 2020;10(6):335-345.