Modeling how psilocybin and its active form move through the bodies of mice, rats, and humans

A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for psilocybin and its active metabolite, psilocin, has been developed for mice, rats, and humans.

• Psilocybin is a psychoactive compound that may have potential in treating major depressive disorder.
• The model explores how psilocin distributes in the body, particularly to the brain.
• Psilocybin is believed to fully convert to psilocin before entering systemic circulation.
• The model accurately characterizes concentration-time profiles for different dosing scenarios and administration routes.
• The human model could inform therapeutic strategies and support the design of clinical trials for psilocybin.

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