In this episode of the LSWA podcast, host Tracey Wilkinson interviews Fleta Solomon and Michael Winlo, two experts in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy and medical cannabis. They discuss the potential of these treatments to revolutionise mental health care and provide a more holistic approach to patient care.

The conversation begins with a focus on the use of cannabis to achieve high THC effects for certain patients. Fleta and Mike emphasise the importance of therapy in every treatment plan, whether it be through coaching, encouragement, or support in using medication effectively. They stress that therapy is a key component in personalised treatment, aiming to make symptoms more manageable rather than curing the underlying disease.

The discussion then shifts to psychedelic-assisted therapy, particularly MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Fleta and Mike share remarkable results from studies showing significant improvement in patients' symptoms and even full remission from PTSD criteria. They explain the need for a team of therapists, doctors, special facilities, and tightly regulated medications to deliver these treatments effectively.

Fleta and Mike delve into the history of psychedelics and their therapeutic potential, highlighting the ongoing research and regulatory changes happening globally. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of providing access to these treatments in Australia, where there is a limited number of trained psychiatrists and specialised clinics. Despite the obstacles, they remain optimistic about the potential impact of psychedelics on mental health care.

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The LSWA podcast is brought to you by Life Sciences WA. Stay updated on LSWA and connect by visiting our website, https://www.lifescienceswa.com.au.

This show is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

In this episode of the LSWA podcast, host Tracey Wilkinson sits down with Natalie Barber, the director of Clinical Operations at Chrysalis Advisory, and Professor Peter Richmond from the University of Western Australia. 

Natalie and Peter discuss their respective roles in the clinical trial space. Peter, a paediatrician, focuses on improving children's health by conducting research on vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. He shares his involvement in every stage of the clinical trial process, from vaccine design to regulatory advisory boards.

Natalie's role is to support clinician researchers like Peter in delivering complex clinical trials. She explains the importance of understanding the protocols, engaging participating sites, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

The conversation covers the structured pathway that a drug or device must follow before being approved for the market. Natalie breaks down the phases of a clinical trial, starting from preclinical studies in the laboratory, progressing to phase 1, phase 2, and phase 3 trials involving larger populations, and even continuing with phase 4 post-marketing surveillance. She emphasises the time commitment and financial investment required, as well as the need for multicenter trials to gather data from different jurisdictions.

Throughout the episode, Natalie and Peter provide valuable insights into the world of clinical trials and the importance of evidence-based medicine. Their combined expertise offers a comprehensive understanding of the processes behind bringing new medical treatments to market.

We’d love your feedback on this podcast series, please take a moment to complete this short survey: ​​https://forms.office.com/r/W0R1cEtMjh 

The LSWA podcast is brought to you by Life Sciences WA. To stay updated on LSWA and connect, visit our website https://www.lifescienceswa.com.au

This show is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

In this episode of the Investor Meets Innovator Podcast, host Peter Birch sits down with Paul Anderson, the Managing Director of Orthocell. With over 25 years of experience in the medical space and a background in device development and regenerative medicine, Paul shares his insights on the life sciences industry and the journey of bringing innovative medical technologies to market.

Paul discusses the challenges and opportunities in the healthcare industry, particularly in Western Australia where the economy is heavily reliant on the mining industry. He emphasises the importance of intellectual property protection and the role it plays in generating value in products and advancements in manufacturing.

Through his own experiences with Orthocell, Paul highlights the crucial elements for success in the life sciences, including multidisciplinary teams, funding, faith, and patience. He dives into the lengthy and complex pathway to market for medical devices and pharmaceutical products, shedding light on the challenges investors in the industry need to understand and navigate.

Paul also shares the story of Orthocell's pioneering technique to treat tetraplegic patients, resulting in improved mobility and life-changing outcomes for patients like Adrian. He explains the role of patient advocates, surgeons, and government support in developing successful and marketable technologies.

We’d love your feedback on this podcast series, please take a moment to complete this short survey: ​​https://forms.office.com/r/W0R1cEtMjh 

The Investor Meets Innovator Podcast is brought to you by Life Sciences WA. To stay updated on LSWA and connect, visit our website https://www.lifescienceswa.com.au

This show is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.