Psilocybin-assisted therapy for methamphetamine use disorder in people with HIV
Official title: Psilocybin Therapy for Methamphetamine Use Disorder and HIV
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11394951 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, carefully controlled study will test whether psilocybin, given with support, can help people living with HIV who have moderate-to-severe methamphetamine use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,460,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2DA066200-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394951 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with HIV and moderate-to-severe methamphetamine use disorder eligible for outpatient psychedelic-assisted care under approved protocols.
✕Less likely to help
Persons without HIV or without methamphetamine use disorder are not the target of this study.
What this research studies
This project aims to test a new therapy for MeUD in people with HIV, using psilocybin alongside structured psychological support in a placebo-controlled setting. It will enroll about 30 participants who meet criteria for moderate-to-severe MeUD and are living with HIV, and they will be randomly assigned to receive either psilocybin or a placebo in a double-blind design. The study will monitor safety, feasibility, and preliminary signals of reduced meth use and improved engagement with HIV care, with detailed assessments of brain function and behavior to understand potential mechanisms. If promising, findings could inform larger trials and future treatment options for this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to a new therapeutic option that improves meth use outcomes and HIV treatment adherence.
How similar studies have gone: Early phase studies in other substances show reductions in use with psilocybin and support, but this is the first outpatient MeUD trial in people with HIV in the U.S.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehtani, Nicky — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Mehtani, Nicky
Related research
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.