UNM researcher discusses psychedelic trial on 'It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science'

Death is an unavoidable part of life. Yet for many, the thought of dying-or receiving a life-limiting diagnosis-can trigger deep anxiety and depression.

Researchers at The University of New Mexico (UNM) are joining a national clinical trial exploring whether a psychedelic compound can help patients facing serious illnesses cope with fear, depression, and distress related to their diagnoses.

In the latest episode of It's (Probably) Not Rocket Science (IPNRS), titled "Psychedlics and the Science of Suffering," Dr. Larry Leeman, professor of Family and Addiction Medicine at the UNM School of Medicine, discusses the REKINDLE trial-a study examining the psychological effects of an experimental psychedelic drug known as RE104.

"Rekindle-it's just sort of like relighting," Leeman said. "It's a study of a psychedelic that's somewhat novel. It's related to psilocybin, which most people have heard of recently."

RE104 is a synthetic "prodrug" that converts into psilocin, the same active compound found in psilocybin-the key ingredient in so-called "magic mushrooms." Unlike psilocybin, which is typically taken orally and lasts about six hours, RE104 is delivered via injection and produces effects lasting roughly three hours.

The trial focuses on individuals diagnosed with life-threatening conditions such as cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, ALS, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis.

"We're looking for people who, once they got the diagnosis, it's affected them," Leeman said. "In medical terms, they may experience an adjustment disorder-mood and anxiety changes that follow a life-threatening diagnosis."

Participants complete a 42-day process consisting of six appointments for medical screening, preparation, dosing, and integration sessions. During dosing sessions, participants wear eyeshades and listen to music as they enter an altered state of consciousness designed to help them explore questions about life, mortality, and meaning.

"They may see very dreamlike sequences," Leeman explained. "When we face a life-threatening condition, we often start thinking about our lives in a very different way."

The study tests two different doses of RE104. Neither participants nor researchers know which dose is administered-a method known as double-blind randomization. Outcomes are measured using standardized questionnaires that assess emotional and mood well-being.

"This is a big area of interest nationally," Leeman said. "But this is really one of the first randomized studies."

UNM joins Baltimore-based Sunstone Research as one of the first two trial sites. Data from both centers will be combined with additional sites as the study expands. If early findings are promising, the research could advance to a larger Phase 3 clinical trial in the coming years.

The project builds on UNM's long history of psychedelic research, including studies on psilocybin for alcohol use disorder, postpartum depression, and major depressive disorder. Leeman said the team hopes the findings will also inform New Mexico's new medical psilocybin law, which permits therapeutic use under professional supervision.

Beyond the science, Leeman said the study may change how people think about both death and life.

"People often talk about changing how you feel about death," he said. "Maybe that can change the way you live your life."

To learn more, listen to "It's (Probably) Not Rocket Science," available at podcast.unm.edu, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere else you get your podcasts. You can also follow IPNRS on Instagram and TikTok.