Following recent Phase 2 trial results showing LSD microdosing is ineffective for depression, BetterLife Pharma Inc. is emphasizing the potential advantages of its proprietary compound BETR-001, a non-hallucinogenic derivative of lysergic acid diethylamide. The company's development comes at a critical time as the search for effective neuroplastogenic treatments continues.
BETR-001 remains non-hallucinogenic even at high doses, according to company data, and does not induce tolerance with repeated use. This means the compound can be dosed on a chronic or repeated basis while maintaining effectiveness. Preclinical studies indicate that neuroplastogenic effects require sufficient dosing, and since BETR-001 can be administered at full dose without hallucinations, it avoids the limitations of traditional psychedelic approaches.
Dr. Ahmad Doroudian, CEO of BetterLife, stated that the ability to give full doses of BETR-001 without hallucinations addresses significant hurdles in psychedelic medicine. "Microdosing of psychedelics is often touted as the path forward to avoid the hallucinations of psychedelics full dosing and the need for treatment in specialized clinics with monitoring under special treatment protocols, which require in-clinic time of 8 to 12 hours," Doroudian explained. "BETR-001 overcomes all these hurdles and can be administered at its full effective dose without any hallucinations."
The company is completing remaining IND-enabling studies and plans to file an Investigational New Drug application and begin human clinical trials by the second half of 2026. The initial development scope targets treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury, cluster headaches, and migraine. BETR-001 also has potential for treating a broad range of psychiatric disorders, which will be explored as development progresses.
BetterLife's synthesis patent for BETR-001 eliminates regulatory hurdles, and its pending patent for composition and method of use covers treatment of various neurological disorders until around 2042. The compound's non-controlled status means it can potentially be self-administered, addressing accessibility concerns in mental health treatment. For more information about the company's developments, visit https://www.blifepharma.com.
This development matters because it addresses two major limitations in current psychedelic-based treatments: the need for specialized clinical settings and the hallucinogenic side effects that prevent full dosing. The potential for self-administration and chronic use could significantly expand access to neuroplastogenic treatments for millions suffering from neurological and psychiatric conditions. As the mental health crisis continues globally, compounds like BETR-001 that combine effectiveness with practical administration could represent an important advancement in treatment options.
