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Subcommittee advances bill to permit state‑overseen ibogaine clinical trials for treatment‑resistant addiction
Summary
The Population Health Subcommittee voted 8–2 to send HB2075 to the full Health committee after proponents described a regulatory framework for FDA‑authorized ibogaine trials, safety protocols, and a state revenue share to fund behavioral‑health research.
The Tennessee House Population Health Subcommittee voted to advance HB2075, the "Helping Open Pathways to Effective Treatment Act," after proponents described a tightly regulated path for FDA‑authorized clinical trials of ibogaine for opioid use disorder, PTSD and other indications.
Sponsor Chairman Terry said the bill would establish a state council to oversee participation in FDA investigational‑new‑drug trials, allow qualified academic medical centers to join multistate consortia, and require hospital‑based administration, physician supervision and cardiac screening protocols. "The bill positions Tennessee to lead in responsible research while protecting patients," Terry said.
Witnesses told the committee they support structured research. Ricky Harris, CEO of Tennessee Voices, said his organization serves thousands of families dealing with addiction and called the bill "innovation paired with accountability." He described personal family losses to suicide and asked members to consider new options for treatment‑resistant patients. Brian Hubbard, chief executive of Americans for Ibogaine, cited decades of observational studies and a recent 30‑person Stanford observational study published in Nature Medicine (01/04/2025) that he said showed neuroimaging changes after treatment. "This is not a magic pill — it’s structured research," Hubbard said.
Members pressed proponents on safety. Committee members raised cardiac‑risk concerns; proponents described pre‑treatment screening (bloodwork, EKG), continuous EKG monitoring during a roughly 36‑hour administration window, intravenous magnesium co‑administration to mitigate arrhythmias, and availability of cardiac rescue medication such as atropine. Alex West, a retired Navy SEAL who described a 14‑hour ibogaine treatment abroad, told members "it saved my life" and urged that Americans not have to travel out of country for care.
After discussion, clerk announced the vote: 8 ayes, 2 nays. The bill will advance to the full Health committee for further consideration.
