Magellan Rx Management, the full-service pharmacy benefits management division of Magellan Health, Inc. today released its Clinical Insights publication titled Therapeutic Psychedelics: an Emerging Frontier in Mental Health. The paper explores the role of psychedelics in treating mental health conditions, the current regulatory and legislative landscape, and Magellan Rx Management’s four-pillar evaluation on this emerging therapeutic frontier.

Although psychedelics are not currently approved prescription medications, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given breakthrough therapy designation to two psychedelics – MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psilocybin-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). As clinical trials for these drugs continue, regulatory approval for the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS’) MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD could happen as soon as 2023. This could create a potential turning point in the mental health treatment paradigm. Magellan advocates for solid clinical trial design and outcomes to study effectiveness and durability of treatments and to ensure safety.

“One in 5 American adults suffers from mental illness, with young adults ages 18 to 25 years reporting the highest prevalence of symptoms.i These numbers speak volumes,” “Some treatment options do not adequately treat patients with mental illness and are associated with significant side effects. This underscores the need for additional treatment options. Because of these factors, psychedelics are among the solutions gaining momentum as possible treatments. Magellan Rx Management is firmly committed to fully understanding the current evidence base regarding treatments. This paper serves as an introduction to current marketplace discussions and encourages transparent dialogue about what we know and what we can still learn in this emerging space.”

Caroline Carney, M.D., Magellan Healthcare’s President of Behavioral Health and Chief Medical Officer of Magellan Health.

Magellan Rx’s pillars on emerging therapeutic frontiers are guided by four principles:

  • Education and thought leadership for patients, payers, providers, and stakeholders while addressing stigma around mental health
  • Evidence-based clinical recommendations and coverage
  • Patient safety by advocating for quality standards
  • Access that is responsible and sustainable

To learn more about how the current mental health climate highlights the need for alternative treatment options, view the complete Clinical Insights here. Magellan Rx is also hosting a webcast, Psychedelics Meet Mainstream Medicine, on March 16, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. ET.

About Magellan Rx Management: Magellan Rx Management, a division of Magellan Health, Inc., is shaping the future of pharmacy. As a next-generation pharmacy organization, we deliver meaningful solutions to the people we serve. As pioneers in specialty drug management, industry leaders in Medicaid pharmacy programs and disruptors in pharmacy benefit management, we partner with our customers and members to deliver a best-in-class healthcare experience.

About Magellan Health: Magellan Health, Inc. is a leader in managing the fastest growing, most complex areas of health, including special populations, complete pharmacy benefits and other specialty areas of healthcare. Magellan supports innovative ways of accessing better health through technology, while remaining focused on the critical personal relationships that are necessary to achieve a healthy, vibrant life. Magellan’s customers include health plans and other managed care organizations, employers, labor unions, various military and governmental agencies and third-party administrators. For more information, visit MagellanHealth.com.