He Who Pays the Piper: A Neuroethical Analysis of Research Priorities in US-Based Psilocybin Trials — The Role of Funding Sources Restricted; Files Only

Abstract

The contemporary resurgence of clinical psilocybin research presents significant therapeutic promise yet remains starved of traditional public funding. In the absence of federal support, clinical trials are predominantly financed by private sources, philanthropy and industry. This funding dynamic presents a critical, and largely unexamined, ethical question: to what extent do these financial sources influence the priorities, methods, and reported outcomes of the research? This thesis conducts a secondary analysis of U.S. clinical trials and case studies (1959-2024) to systematically investigate associations between reported funding and key aspects of trial design. We examine how funding relates to methodological rigor, intensity of therapeutic support, and the monitoring and reporting of adverse events. Our findings indicate that funding source is a salient factor; distinct trends emerge between studies listing federal, philanthropic, or industry support. Thus, we conclude that the financial logistics underlying psilocybin research actively shape the scientific landscape. As the field advances toward clinical application, this analysis underscores the urgent need to examine funding influences. Ensuring that development of psilocybin interventions is driven by public health imperatives, rather than commercial or ideological interests, is paramount for its ethical and equitable translation. 

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Psilocybin 1

Effects & Early Research 1

Fall from Grace 2

Renewed Interest 3

Funding Psilocybin Research 4

Lack of Federal Funding 4

Industry Sponsors 4

Philanthropic Support 5

Converging Desires of Funders 5

Potential Ethical Concerns 6

Wider Applications 7

Current Analysis 8

Methods 9

Screening Process 9

Extracted Variables 9

Study Methods 10

Targeted Pathology 10

Dosing Session Specifics 11

Outcomes & Measures 11

Data Analysis 12

Results 14

Study Methods 14

Sample Size 14

Trial Design 14

Blinding Status 15

Treatment Denomination 15

Psychological Interventions 15

Facilitator Background 16

Targeted Pathology 17

Dosing Session Specifics 18

Preparation Sessions 18

Dosing 19

Post-Dosing Sessions 20

Outcomes & Measures 21

Primary Outcomes 21

Adverse Events 23

Discussion 26

Trends in Results by Funding Source 26

Public Funding: Federal & State 26

University Funding 27

Private Funding: Philanthropy & Industry 28

No Funding 31

Overall Trends 33

Psychological Interventions 33

Facilitator Background 33

Targeted Pathology & Outcomes 34

Adverse Events 35

Limitations 37

Future Directions 38

Conclusion 39

References 41

Tables & Figures 50

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology
Degree	B.S.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	History of Science Ethics Psychology, Clinical
Keyword	Psilocybin Funding Analysis Neuroethics Funding Clinical Trials Psychedelics Research Priorities
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Roman Palitsky, Emory University
Committee Members	Jennifer McGee, Emory University Gillian Hue, Emory University

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