Advancing Science
Medicinal Chemistry: Pioneering New Frontiers
In 2024, Usona's Medicinal Chemistry lab focused on synthesizing novel molecules and conducting research to deepen understanding of compounds' interactions with the central nervous system. The team built on its core capabilities in producing well-characterized compounds, which are key to developing innovative therapies.
Publications
Contributing to the Global Scientific Dialogue
Our dedication to fostering scientific exchange was demonstrated through ongoing publication initiatives. This year, our chemists' work continued to be recognized and appreciated within the academic community, underscoring our sustained commitment to advancing the field of psychedelic sciences.
Investigational Drug Supply Program
Supporting Global Research
In 2024, the Usona Investigational Drug Supply Program continued to expand its reach and impact, ensuring the efficient and reliable distribution of investigational drugs to support research worldwide, thus expanding the mission of advancing science and clinical data beyond our own development programs. With shipments to new countries, engagement with global regulatory authorities, partnerships with leading institutions, and enhanced operational efficiencies, the program played a pivotal role in advancing psychedelic research through interdisciplinary collaborations and publications.
Map of Usona Drug Supply Program Partners and Scientific Collaborations
Case Study: Advancing Transformative Science
Researchers worldwide use Usona-provided investigational drugs to conduct groundbreaking studies, such as the December 2024 published trial in JAMA demonstrating the impact of psilocybin therapy on front-line COVID-19 clinicians.
Therapy for Clinicians With Symptoms of Depression From Frontline Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Anthony L. Back; Timara K. Freeman-Young; Ladybird Morgan; et al
“As a clinical researcher new to psilocybin, Usona’s Investigational Drug Supply Program was critical for me in securing funding, conducting the clinical trial, and dealing with the regulatory issues. Usona’s commitment to providing the highest quality investigational drug product, paired with staff who are deeply knowledgeable about logistics and regulatory requirements, enabled me to focus on the science. Usona’s support enabled me to publish a randomized trial with clinicians with symptoms of depression after frontline work in the pandemic who reported that psilocybin therapy was ‘life-changing.”
Usona Scholarship Program
Usona provides scholarships to students and researchers engaged in the field of psychedelic sciences or related clinical/translational research. This program aims to advance knowledge about psychedelic sciences and provide broader access and diversity to these programs, consistent with Usona’s overall mission and goals.
Scholarship Recipients: Key Highlights
In 2024, Usona awarded 36 scholarships for the 2025 program year, supporting a global cohort of students and researchers from diverse fields and backgrounds:
51 applicants, with 45% based outside the U.S.
76% first-time applicants
Representation from universities in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia
Recipients included undergraduate, doctoral, and professional certification candidates in psychedelic therapy, psychopharmacology, and therapy integration
Applications increased 38% from 37 for the 2024 program year to 51 for the 2025 program year, reflecting growing recognition in psychedelic sciences
Diverse Areas of Focus
Usona’s scholarships fostered innovation and critical research in these key areas:
Neuroscience:
Advancing understanding of brain functions and disorders, with multiple recipients in advanced research roles.Psychedelics:
Exploring the science and therapy of psychedelics through degrees, certifications, and involvement in psychedelic-assisted therapies.Pharmaceutical Investigations:
Conducting master’s and doctoral research into psychoactive drugs and their therapeutic applications.Mental Health and Therapy:
Strengthening links to psychiatry, psychology, and social work to advance mental health practices using psychedelic therapies.
Potential Impact on the Field
Innovation in Therapeutics:
Advancing mental health treatments by integrating neuroscience, pharmacology, and psychedelic therapy.Global Collaboration:
Promoting cross-cultural research and therapeutic approaches through international partnerships.Interdisciplinary Applications:
Introducing perspectives from bioethics, philosophy, and theology to reframe psychedelic practices.Leadership in Education:
Equipping recipients to become educators, mentors, and leaders in the field.
“As a Usona scholarship recipient, their generous support has been invaluable in advancing my academic journey in psychedelic sciences, first as a master's student in Pharmaceutical Sciences in the first-of-its-kind Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation Program and now as a doctoral student pursuing a ground-breaking joint degree in Environment & Resources at the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and Health Services Research in Pharmacy in the School of Pharmacy and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Usona's financial support empowers me to pursue my goals and engage deeply in my studies where I am particularly drawn to the transcultural connections between psychedelics, health and well-being, and their influence on human perceptions and connections to the more-than-human in a changing world. Usona's commitment to education and scientific advancement inspires me to excel in my work and give back to the community through service, outreach and education, including co-facilitating interdisciplinary workshops like "Psychedelic Pasts, Presents, and Futures." Additionally, their support has allowed me to attend conferences and collaborate on various projects, essential for my learning and building the connections needed to make significant contributions to my field.”
Doctoral Student, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Liz Birkhauser, MS
New Partnership:
Burroughs Wellcome Fund
In 2024, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and Usona launched the Diversity, Cultural Humility, and Equitable Access Initiative to address the underrepresentation of diverse communities in clinical research. This initiative seeks to dismantle historical and cultural barriers, fostering a more inclusive research environment that reflects the diverse populations impacted by mental health challenges. By building trust, developing culturally sensitive resources, and empowering leaders from underrepresented communities, the initiative aims to create equitable access to transformative mental health treatments.
As part of this partnership, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund is supporting Usona’s Scholarship Program by funding five additional scholarships to advance diversity and accessibility in psychedelic sciences. These scholarships are designed to:
Advance Scientific Knowledge:
Promote in-depth understanding of unique compounds and their impacts on mental health, contributing to the broader field of biomedical sciences.Promote Diversity and Accessibility:
Ensure that consciousness-expanding therapies are accessible to diverse communities, supporting the development of a diverse and skilled workforce prepared for advancements in therapeutic practices.
President and CEO, Burroughs Wellcome Fund
Louis J. Muglia, MD, PhD
“Our partnership with Usona Institute underscores our shared commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and innovation in the biomedical sciences. Through our support of Usona’s Diversity, Cultural Humility, and Equitable Access Initiative, as well as the Usona Scholarships Program, we are proud to champion efforts that promote inclusivity in mental health research and the science of psychedelic medicines. By building trust with underrepresented communities, developing culturally sensitive educational resources, and empowering the next generation of diverse leaders in mental health and psychedelic therapies, Usona is leading the way in expanding access to transformative treatments for those who need them most. This work is crucial, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and effective healthcare system while addressing critical societal challenges. We are honored to collaborate with Usona on these important initiatives and look forward to the lasting impact this partnership will create in the years ahead.”
Advancing Open Science and Innovation
In partnership with Usona, the nonprofit Porta Sophia organization protects the public domain and promotes open science by curating prior art in the field of psychedelics. With over 2,000 curated pieces covering 50+ compounds, its free search tool helps innovators and patent examiners access critical information. Porta Sophia supports good patents and fosters innovation to ensure psychedelic therapies can reach those who need them.
