Approximately 300 million worldwide are affected by fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complex, multifaceted condition affecting individuals through chronic pain and associated symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Emerging research suggests the potential of psychedelics in managing this condition, although robust clinical evidence is still limited.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is characterised by chronic widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues, as well as symptoms such as depression and insomnia. It affects approximately 2-4% of the population, predominantly women (ratio of 1:7).

The exact pathophysiology of fibromyalgia is still not fully understood, but it is believed to involve genetic and environmental factors, with the condition classified as a 'central sensitization syndrome'.

The psychological burden of fibromyalgia is notable, with a significant percentage of patients experiencing co-occurring depression and anxiety, and the economic impact on healthcare systems is substantial due to the chronic nature of the condition.

Current Treatments

Standard treatments for fibromyalgia aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life, including aerobic and strengthening exercises, psychotherapy, mindfulness practices, and medications such as antidepressants (e.g., duloxetine, milnacipran, pregabalin).

Psychedelic Effect Matrix

Systematic comparison of compound efficacy and evidence levels for Fibromyalgia.

Compound	Magnitude	Evidence	Consistency
Psilocybin Psilocybin's effects are primarily supported by anecdotal evidence and preparatory studies rather than large-scale clinical trials.	Medium	Low	Inconsistent
Esketamine A single study indicated short-term pain relief, but overall efficacy in fibromyalgia remains unproven.	Small	Low	Inconsistent
DMT Currently lacks sufficient research directly linking DMT to fibromyalgia treatment outcomes.	None	Very Low	Inconsistent

Psilocybin and Fibromyalgia

Psilocybin is thought to promote neural plasticity and modulate pain perception through its action on serotonin receptors, particularly 5-HT2A. This may facilitate a 'reset' in chronic pain pathways, offering potential symptom relief for individuals suffering from fibromyalgia.

View full Psilocybin profile →

Key Insights

1
Psychedelics may offer significant promise for alleviating chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, yet rigorous clinical validation is imperative.
2
Data from surveys indicate that up to 37% of individuals with fibromyalgia report positive effects from using psychedelics, highlighting a demand for clinical exploration.
3
Current trials investigating psilocybin for fibromyalgia have begun, with results expected by the end of 2024, signaling a move toward evidence-based psychedelic therapeutics.
4
Neurobiological mechanisms underlying psychedelics suggest potential modulation of pain pathways, supporting the hypothesis that these substances could reset neural connectivity impaired by chronic pain.

Industrial Landscape

Key players in the field include Tryp Therapeutics, which is actively developing psilocybin treatments for fibromyalgia. The Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London is also conducting pivotal research in this area.

Quick Indicators

PrevalenceApproximately 300 million worldwide are affected by fibromyalgia.

Research Footprint

0Trials

0Papers

\"Ongoing clinical evaluations are investigating Fibromyalgia as a primary indication for various psychedelic compounds.\"

Key Organizations

4 Connected

Delix Therapeutics

Delix Therapeutics is harnessing the power of neuroplastogens, a novel class of compounds designed to bring about a new paradigm in brain health therapeutics with treatments intended to be safe, fast-acting, and long-lasting. Through its discovery platform, Delix has identified non-hallucinogenic versions of psychedelic compounds with favorable safety and therapeutic profiles. The company was co-founded in 2019 by David E. Olson and Nick Haft, building upon Olson's discovery at the University of California, Davis, of several novel psychoplastogens that have significant therapeutic potential in preclinical models, without hallucinogenic side effects. Delix's treatments are designed to address the root cause of neuropsychiatric conditions by repairing the underlying synaptic damage through targeted neuroplasticity. To date, the company has synthesized over 2000 novel psychoplastogens, many of which are analogs of known psychedelics such as ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT. Their lead compound, zalsupindole (DLX-001), produces the same rapid and sustained structural and functional plasticity as ketamine, psilocybin, and DMT, without inducing hallucinations or dissociation. Recent Phase I data have demonstrated that DLX-001 is associated with robust signs of CNS engagement and a favorable safety and tolerability profile, with no serious adverse events reported to date. The company's compounds are tailored for swift neuronal repair and can be taken at-home, providing significant advantages to patients, their loved ones, and healthcare providers. Delix focuses on developing non-hallucinogenic psychoplastogens as scalable alternatives to first-generation hallucinogenic psychoplastogens like ketamine and psilocybin.

MAPS

The description of the stakeholder

Lykos Therapeutics

Longer description of Lykos .. lorem ipsum ..

Leiden University

Leiden University doesn't have a dedicated research centre for psychedelics. However, several staff members from their medical centre and psychology faculty are working with psychedelics. Researchers here are working with other universities including Utrecht University as well as Compass Pathways.