The State Expert Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine took part in an international meeting in the European Parliament in Brussels dedicated to the development of research and the possibilities of medical use of psychedelic substances.
The event was attended by representatives of European institutions, the scientific community, patient organizations and Ukrainian specialists.
The discussion focused on the development of research and access to psychedelic substances, the formation of policy for their regulated use, and the search for scientifically grounded solutions in the field of mental health, in particular in the conditions of the war in Ukraine.
The relevance of the topic is due to the significant burden on Ukraine's healthcare system. According to WHO estimates, about 22% of the population are at risk of developing mental disorders, and hundreds of thousands of people live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The State Expert Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine was represented at the event by Director Edem Adamanov and Deputy Director Olena Semenchenko.
Speaking at the European Parliament, Edem Adamanov emphasized that Ukraine supports innovative approaches to treatment, but considers them exclusively within the framework of evidence-based medicine:
"Ukraine today is shaping a policy that takes into account both the challenges of war and global scientific trends. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is viewed by us not as a simplified solution, but as a complex, multi-level tool that requires a responsible approach," emphasized the Director of the State Expert Center.
He also emphasized that research into psychedelic substances can take place only in the format of clinical trials in compliance with GCP, ethical standards and state control. And psychedelic-assisted therapy is not a first-line treatment, and may be used only in cases where standard therapy is ineffective.
It was separately noted that Ukraine has successful experience in conducting international clinical trials under conditions of war and is ready to expand its participation in global scientific projects, including in the field of mental health. "The development of this area requires not only changes in legislation, but also the training of specialists, the development of infrastructure and the strengthening of international cooperation," emphasized Edem Adamanov.
In her speech, Olena Semenchenko focused on the regulatory aspects of conducting clinical trials of psychedelic substances in Ukraine and the possibility of balancing patient safety with scientific development.
She placed particular emphasis on the quality and safety of research, the training of specialists, clear protocols and risk control.
Ukraine is open to international dialogue and is ready to join in shaping harmonized approaches in this area. A shared task remains turning scientific potential into real, safe and effective solutions for patients affected by the war.
We thank the Psychedelic Access and Research European Alliance (PAREA) and the Ukrainian Association of Psychedelic Research for the invitation to international dialogue and for their attention to the important topic of overcoming the mental consequences of the war.
