https://edition.cnn.com/2026/04/24/health/fda-psychedelic-drugs-priority-vouchers

Some psychedelic drugs, once considered fringe, are getting a step closer to possibly being approved for use as mental health treatments in the United States.

The US Food and Drug Administration on Friday issued national priority vouchers to three companies studying these psychedelic-based medicines: psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms,” for treatment-resistant depression; psilocybin for major depressive disorder; and methylone, a drug similar to MDMA, for post-traumatic stress disorder – better known as PTSD.

These vouchers were granted under the FDA Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher pilot program, launched last year as a way to fast-track the review process for certain drugs and biological products seeking approval, potentially cutting down the time it takes for them to reach patients.

The companies awarded vouchers are Compass Pathways, the Usona Institute and Transcend Therapeutics, according to a person familiar with the FDA action.