Kernel has published results from its Cybin-sponsored neuroimaging study which show the ability of Kernel’s Flow1 system to capture and analyse brain changes induced by psychedelics.
To date, real-time quantification of brain activity during the psychedelic experience has been a major barrier to psychedelics research. Many studies rely on subjective self-reporting, and fMRI machines can pose challenges due to high running costs and the experience for the participant of being in an fMRI whilst under the influence of a psychedelic is not ideal.
However, Kernel’s Flow1 device enables this real-time data collection of brain activity during the experience thanks to the use of near-infrared spectroscopy, providing measurements of blood oxygenation changes in the brain associated with neural activity.
This single-blind, placebo-controlled study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, measured acute brain dynamics following the administration of intramuscular subanesthetic ketamine (0.75 mg/kg) and placebo (saline) administration in a clinical setting.
According to Kernel, the device recorded that ketamine administration induced an altered state of consciousness and systemic physiological changes – such as an increase in pulse rate – along with brain-wide reduction in the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) and a decrease in global brain connectivity within the prefrontal region.
Additionally, the preliminary results suggest that a combination of neural and physiological metrics may serve as predictors of subjective mystical experiences and reductions in depressive symptomatology.
Doug Drysdale, Chief Executive Officer of Cybin, commented: “The feasibility study is truly groundbreaking as it supports Kernel’s ability to measure functional brain activity in real-time, using a wearable, convenient device.
“The study results also suggest that a combination of metrics may be predictive of subjective mystical experiences during psychedelic treatment.
“We are excited about the potential for this technology in expanding our understanding of the mechanisms and effects of psychedelic-based therapeutics on the brain and applications to research and clinical trials, which is essential to Cybin’s goal of developing differentiated therapeutics for people with mental health conditions.”
Ryan Field, CEO of Kernel, added: “This study represents a significant milestone in the field of neuroimaging, demonstrating the remarkable ease and capabilities of Flow1 to explore the physiological effects of psychedelics like ketamine in natural settings.
“It also paves the way for large-scale clinical studies using our Flow technology, which enables the quantification of psychedelics’ impact on the brain.”
