Texas Invests $50 Million in Ibogaine Research for Addiction Treatment
The University of Texas Medical Branch just received a $50 million grant to study ibogaine, a plant based psychoactive compound. This marks one of the largest state investments in psychedelic medicine research in U.S. history.
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| Key Takeaways | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Amount | $50 million from Texas Health and Human Services Commission |
| Lead Institutions | UTMB Health and UTHealth Houston |
| Study Duration | Two years |
| Target Conditions | Opioid addiction and related conditions |
| Source of Ibogaine | Central African iboga shrub |
| Legislative Basis | Senate Bill 2308, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in June |
| Matching Requirement | Nonstate funds equal to state investment |
What Is Ibogaine?
Ibogaine remains classified as a Schedule I substance by both the DEA and FDA. This means federal agencies currently recognize no accepted medical use and flag high abuse potential. The new grant will allow researchers to pursue FDA approval for clinical trials that meet safety and ethics standards.
The compound comes from the iboga shrub native to Central Africa. Indigenous communities have used it ceremonially for generations. Modern researchers now want to understand its therapeutic applications.
The Opioid Crisis Context
The timing of this investment carries weight. Drug overdoses remain a leading cause of death among American adults. In 2023 alone, approximately 80,000 deaths involved opioid overdoses. That figure represents nearly a tenfold increase from 1999 levels.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services first declared a public health emergency in 2017. Officials renewed that declaration as recently as March of this year.
Early Research Shows Promise
A 2017 study conducted by researchers in New Zealand and California offers reason for optimism. Participants who received ibogaine treatment showed reduced opioid withdrawal symptoms. Many achieved either complete cessation or sustained reduced use over a 12 month period.
Kathryn A. Cunningham directs the Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics at UTMB. She believes this collaboration positions Texas at the forefront of developing these medications for American patients.
The study will involve multiple Texas institutions. Work begins once federal approvals are secured.
