DiMension - The fight against depression

Every eight seconds, someone is diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), and for roughly one-third of these patients, current antidepressants bring little or no relief. The human and economic toll is immense, yet a transformational alternative is coming within reach.   

Major depressive disorder is not only one of the most common but also most debilitating mental disorders, estimated to affect 10–15% of the population per year. Despite its prevalence, innovation in antidepressant therapies has stagnated for over more than 30 years, with no significant breakthroughs since the advent of second-generation Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Psychedelics have emerged as both a promising class of new pharmacological drugs and a synergetic treatment together with different levels of psychotherapeutic care. 

At the MIND Foundation in Germany, we are leading the DiMension Trial — a Phase III clinical and Health Technology Assessment (HTA) study that could bring psilocybin-assisted therapy into public health care for the first time. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. med. Gerhard Gründer (MIND Foundation and ZI Mannheim) and a state-private consortium, this study is designed to meet the rigorous standards necessary for regulatory approval and reimbursement that we seek together with our non-profit partner Usona Institute. 

Unlike many prior psychedelic studies, DiMension applies gold-standard clinical methodology that, for the first time in the history of research on psychedelic therapies, will include the data necessary for a successful health technology assessment. To meet reimbursement requirements, we are aiming to demonstrate superiority over standard antidepressant therapy — not just equivalence. A successful DiMension trial will thus provide the foundation for wide access through public healthcare.  

Importantly, the DiMension Trial also creates the largest patient access program to psychedelic therapies in history. With direct comparison to current standard-of-care antidepressants, it sets the stage for public reimbursement and broad accessibility of psilocybin-assisted treatment. This is a one-time opportunity to unlock a sustainable, science-backed, and equitable path to relief for millions who have exhausted current treatments.  

Your support would be catalytic. Every euro secured now accelerates patient access, leverages substantial public health savings, and attracts further support. Thank you for considering a donation that could redefine the future of depression care — and restore hope to millions.