Cybin, Kernel announce positive results from neuroimaging technology pilot study

Neurotechnology firm Kernel and biopharmaceutical company Cybin announced promising pilot results from a feasibility study of Kernel Flow, a technology that measures brain activity in altered states of consciousness.

Preliminary data from the Cybin-sponsored study suggested that ketamine-induced changes in functional connectivity continued for several days after administration, with headset technology effectively measuring the drug’s neuro-effects over 11 days.

“By utilizing [Kernel] Flow, we will now be able to quantifiably gather real-time functional brain activity during our clinical and research studies evaluating psychedelic-based therapeutics,” Doug Drysdale, Cybin CEO, said in a released statement. “Measuring where and how psychedelics work in the brain unlocks new frontiers of discovery in this space.”

Participants in the pilot study received either a low dose of ketamine or placebo while wearing the Flow headset, which confirmed changes in functional connectivity consistent with current scientific research.

“The quality of the data recorded with Flow may lead to a better understanding of the neuro effects from psychedelics on the brain and help to advance these powerful new therapies for patients,” Bryan Johnson, Kernel CEO, said in the release.

Enrollment for the feasibility study, which began in March, is ongoing.