FDA fast-tracks psychedelic drug research following Trump executive order

the fda announced friday it's speeding up development of psychedelic drugs for serious mental illness, following an executive order from trump. the agency said it will prioritize therapies with breakthrough therapy designation, where early evidence shows meaningful improvement. hhs secretary robert f. kennedy jr. said in a release that under trump's leadership, the fda is accelerating research and approval. the agency will issue national priority vouchers to companies studying psilocybin for depression and methylone for ptsd. it also cleared an early-stage trial for noribogaine hydrochloride, a derivative of ibogaine, for alcohol use disorder — the first time such a compound has been authorized for study in the u.s. fda commissioner marty makary said these medications could address the nation's mental health crisis, but stressed development must be grounded in sound science. he told cnbc that if approved, they'd come with conditions — not drugs you pick up at a pharmacy. the announcement follows the trump administration easing restrictions on state-licensed medical cannabis operators.