Biotechnology company Compass Pathways plc (Nasdaq:CMPS) announced on Wednesday that it has commenced the UK component of its phase 3 programme of investigational COMP360 psilocybin treatment in treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

This is the largest randomised, controlled, double-blind psilocybin treatment clinical programme to date, and includes two pivotal trials, COMP 005 and COMP 006. The trials encompass an integrated, long-term outcomes component and are based on encouraging results from Compass's phase 2b study of COMP360 psilocybin treatment.

The UK-based COMP 006 trial is examining three dose arms of COMP360 (25mg, 10mg and 1mg), while the US-based COMP 005 trial focuses on a single 25mg dose of COMP360 psilocybin compared to placebo. Research will be conducted at multiple UK sites, with a significant presence at the newly opened Centre for Mental Health Research and Innovation in London.

Established in collaboration with South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King's College London, the Centre is dedicated to accelerating psychedelic research and developing innovative mental health care models. Led by Professor Allan Young and Dr James Rucker, the Centre's initial focus includes TRD and anorexia nervosa, contributing to the advancement of treatment models and therapist training.