We are proud to announce that Dr. Claudia Murton, NHS Consultant Psychiatrist and
Consultant Psychiatrist at Porthia Cornwall Mental Health Clinic, is serving as the
Principal Investigator for Cornwall in the landmark international COMP006 trial,
which is exploring the safety and efficacy of synthetic psilocybin for treatment-
resistant depression (TRD).
Pioneering New Treatment Options
The COMP006 trial represents one of the most significant advances in psychiatric
treatment research in recent years. This multi-centre international study is
investigating how synthetic psilocybin, the active compound found in certain
mushrooms, may provide relief for patients with treatment-resistant depression who
haven’t responded to conventional therapies.
“This research could fundamentally change how we approach treatment-resistant
depression,” explains Dr. Murton. “For patients who have tried multiple
antidepressants without success, we desperately need new options. The preliminary
data on psilocybin’s potential is extremely promising.”
Global Collaboration for Mental Health Innovation
The trial marks a notable collaboration between research centres across North
America and Europe, with Cornwall proud to be among the participating sites. As
Principal Investigator for the Cornwall site, Dr. Murton is at the forefront of this
research that could potentially lead to the licensing of psilocybin as a medicinal
treatment for TRD.
This groundbreaking work aligns with Dr. Murton’s ongoing commitment to
advancing mental health treatment options. With over 19 years of medical
experience and specialized expertise in adult psychiatry, she brings valuable clinical
insight to this innovative research.
Research into psychedelic compounds like psilocybin represents one of the most
exciting frontiers in psychiatric medicine. Early studies suggest these substances
may help “reset” neural pathways in the brain that contribute to conditions like
depression.
Unlike traditional antidepressants that typically require daily administration,
psilocybin therapy involves a limited number of sessions with the medicine. The
treatment is given in the safety of a clinical setting combined with psychological
support before during and after the patient experience. This approach could offer a
fundamentally different treatment paradigm for patients with depression.
What This Means for Patients
While the research is still ongoing and psilocybin is not yet approved for clinical use
outside of research settings, the COMP006 trial represents hope for the millions
worldwide who struggle with treatment-resistant depression.
“As an NHS liaison psychiatrist and the consultant psychiatrist at Porthia Clinic, I’m
particularly interested in the mind-body connection and innovative approaches to
mental health care,” notes Dr. Murton. “This research perfectly aligns with my
commitment to finding effective treatments for patients who haven’t responded to
conventional approaches.”
Learn More
If you’re interested in learning more about advances in depression treatments and
psychedelic medicine research, these resources provide valuable information:
- COMPASS Pathways COMP006 Trial Information
- The National Institute of Mental Health on Treatment-Resistant Depression
- Nature Journal: The Emerging Role of Psychedelic Medicine
- Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research
At Porthia Cornwall Mental Health Clinic, we remain committed to evidence-based
care while staying at the forefront of psychiatric research and innovation. Through
Dr. Murton’s involvement in groundbreaking studies like the COMP006 trial, we
continue our mission to provide the most effective mental health treatments
available.
Note: Psilocybin remains a controlled substance in the UK and is currently only
available in approved research settings. The information provided here is for
educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
