Emerge: Definium reports DT120 results in depression

Psiconáutica Editorial Team · August 12, 2026

Definium reported phase 3 topline results for its LSD formulation in major depression. The US-based Definium Therapeutics—the company rebranded from MindMed in January of this year—has presented top-line results from the Emerge study, in which a single 100-microgram dose of its DT120 formulation improved depressive symptoms compared to a placebo, with effects that remained significant twelve weeks later.

An old molecule with a new development

DT120 is lysergide—the pharmacological name for LSD—presented as an orally disintegrating tablet with standardized dosing. It is the same compound the company previously developed as MM120, which already holds Breakthrough Therapy designation from the US Food and Drug Administration for generalized anxiety disorder. The product’s name change accompanies that of the company, which stopped operating as MindMed in January 2026. Emerge now adds a second therapeutic target: major depression, one of the most common psychiatric diagnoses in the world.

Emerge trial figures

Emerge was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 149 participants: 75 received DT120 and 74 received a placebo. At six weeks, the LS mean reduction on the MADRS scale—the standard instrument for measuring depression severity—was 13.3 points with DT120 versus 5.2 with the placebo: a difference of 8.1 points (p<0.0001). At twelve weeks, the adjusted difference remained at 7.3 points. 35% of those who received the drug responded to treatment, compared to 7% in the placebo group, and 24% achieved remission, compared to 3%. The company states that 99% of adverse effects were mild or moderate, concentrated on the day of dosing, and that it identified no new safety signal or increase in suicidal ideation or behavior. This is the company’s characterization, not a claim that no person had thoughts or a safety guarantee.

The release table places each figure in context: week-one LS changes were −17.6 for DT120 and −3.4 for placebo, a −14.2 difference. These are a different time point, not a contradiction with week six’s −8.1. The displayed week-twelve difference is preserved as −7.3 rather than recalculated from rounded figures.

What this implies

A phase 3 result does not replace regulatory assessment. In June the company said it was advancing toward an FDA submission; this review did not verify receipt of a dossier or approval. It is worth remembering, however, that these are top-line data released by the company itself—which has an obvious interest in how they are interpreted—without a paper, full protocol or individual data inspected here. It is also not a minor detail that the trial was conducted with professional support during the session and in a prepared environment: none of this automatically translates to a different context.

This announcement does not establish superiority over all treatments or uniquely rapid action. A neuroimaging study does not provide clinical confirmation of this trial. Related coverage: the largest brain mapping of psychedelics published to date; the link is retained as related coverage, not proof of Emerge’s outcome. More context in our psychedelic science and therapy section.

Source

• Definium Therapeutics. Definium Therapeutics Announces Positive Topline Results from Phase 3 Emerge Study of DT120 Orally Disintegrating Tablet (ODT) in Major Depressive Disorder. Official press release, June 22, 2026.

Educational content written from a harm reduction perspective and with respect for individual freedom. It is not a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional and is not intended to encourage or condemn any drug use.