Psychedelics being used as medicin. A couple of years ago that would have sounded like something only a hippie would tell you is possible, but it seems like the scientific world is now backing up their statements. If you're a frequent visitor of Avalon Magic Plants and fan of psychedelics, the following news might be something you'll like!

“Other companies, like Vancouver-based Willow Biosciences, are producing cannabinoids using a yeast fermentation process. A similar approach is used in the pharmaceutical industry to biosynthesize insulin.”

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Europe on the forefront of psychedelic research

Octarine Bio, a Danish synthetic biology firm that produces psilocybin from sugar using a fermentation technique, has partnered with Clerkenwell Health, a U.K.-based mental health start-up focused on conducting clinical trials, the two companies have announced. The collaboration, according to a news release, should assist European patients gain access to psychedelic treatments. The partnership could be an important step in the wider acceptance of psychedelics for medical use and research. Psilocybin is the active ingredient in magic mushrooms - the same ones you can grow at home using our magic mushroom grow-kits.

Octarine Bio is backed by a number of institutional investors such as Oskare Capital, The Danish State Growth Fund and a number of angel investors, including Bruce Linton. The Danish company applies low-cost yeast fermentation to turn sugar into psilocybin, while Clerkenwell Health is focused on clinical research support services and will soon be establishing its own research facility.

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A growing demand for psychedelics

“The psychedelic ecosystem is growing in Europe and commercial companies are accelerating this growth by increasing efficiencies in different parts of this ecosystem from research infrastructure to supply chains,” notes the press release announcing the partnership.

“It’s a real pleasure to be working with Octarine, who are at the forefront of biosynthesis of a range of compounds, which should enable reduced costs for patients,” said Tom McDonald, CEO of Clerkenwell Health. “They have a strong pedigree in drug development which fits perfectly with the commercial and clinical expertise we have built within the Clerkenwell Health team.”

The organization is hoping its patented production method will enable the creation of a variety of natural and innovative tryptamine psychedelics, as well as allow researchers to breach restrictions imposed by the chemical synthesis process.

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Turning sugar into psilocybin

“Our core ambition at Octarine is to advance psychedelic therapy across Europe and the world in a way that is consistent with sustainability principles while ensuring patient accessibility,” said Nick Milne Ph.D., co-founder of Octarine. “We’re thrilled to be working with Clerkenwell Health, who share our vision and are committed to making Europe a leader in the field by providing world-class clinical expertise tailored to the nuances of psychedelic therapy.”

Other companies, like Vancouver-based Willow Biosciences, are producing cannabinoids using a yeast fermentation process. A similar approach is used in the pharmaceutical industry to biosynthesize insulin. We’re still using a living organism to produce the cannabinoids, we’ve just adapted nature to our own needs", CEO of Willow Biosciences said about this.