Psychedelic medicines, including psilocybin, are attracting growing interest as potential treatments for
mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, particularly where existing treatments have
not been effective. While the results from clinical research so far are encouraging, these substances
are still some way from becoming widely used treatments. Going forward, the field is likely to develop
in two main areas: carefully supervised treatments where the psychedelic experience forms part of the
therapy, and the development of new or modified compounds that aim to retain the potential
therapeutic benefits while reducing unwanted psychoactive effects.
For analytical laboratories, this developing area presents a range of opportunities throughout the
pharmaceutical development process. Companies working with psychedelic compounds require
analytical support to identify and characterise active substances and impurities, establish accurate and
validated analytical procedures for their measurement.
The development of next-generation, or potentially non-hallucinogenic, psychedelic compounds is also
likely to create further demand for analytical testing. As researchers investigate changes to molecular
structures and their effects on biological activity, Butterworth Laboratories can provide support with
analytical method development, validation, and routine QC testing.
Why use Butterworth?
- The Projects department at Butterworth has proven practical experience to support our clients with the analysis of psychedelics, including full validation for regulatory submission.
- LC-MS/MS capability
- Butterworth can respond quickly with a statement of capabilities and protocols for development and validation where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we have specific experience in this area of client support.
Can your laboratory analyse other psychedelic compounds?
Yes. We are routinely inspected by the MHRA and FDA for GMP compliance and maintain strict regulatory controls, secure storage, and full chain-of-custody protocols required for handling controlled substances.
Yes. Our Projects department specialises in developing and validating bespoke analytical methods in accordance with ICH guidelines
Beyond initial method development and validation, we provide ongoing routine Quality Control (QC) testing for raw materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
