Paying Attention to the Psychopharmacology Pipeline

We are now halfway through 2026, and the psychopharmacology pipeline is only growing more robust and exciting. At Psychiatric Times, we remain committed to updating you quickly and efficiently, bringing you not only the latest news as it develops but also insights into how your clinical practice will be impacted.

This is apparent in content like our May 2026 cover story by editor in chief, John J. Miller, MD, “Psychiatry’s Medication Pipeline in Motion,” and our popular series, Brain Trust: Conversations in Psychopharmacology by Joseph F. Goldberg, MD. You can find all the latest breaking news under our Drug Watch tab at psychiatrictimes.com.

With that in mind, here are a few of the psychiatric candidates at varied stages in the pipeline that I am excited about:

• Just approved: AXS-05 (Auvelity) was recently approved for the treatment of agitation associated with Alzheimer disease.¹ This first-in-class medication offers another option to the millions of patients living with Alzheimer disease. Agitation is very prevalent in Alzheimer disease—one of the most burdensome aspects of the disease—and having another treatment option is very welcome.
• Awaiting FDA decision: Centanafadine, a novel norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor described as a triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor, is currently being evaluated for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and has a Prescription Drug User Fee Act date of July 24, 2026.² If approved, this would offer a wholly new treatment possibility for patients with ADHD.
• In development: President Donald J. Trump recently signed an executive order titled “Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness,”³ directing the FDA to issue National Priority Vouchers for breakthrough therapy–designated psychedelics.⁴ Among these, psilocybin COMP360 for treatment-resistant depression offers a lot of promise.⁵

What potential treatments have you excited? Share with us at [email protected]!

References

1. Axsome Therapeutics announces FDA approval of Auvelity (dextromethorphan hbr and bupropion hcl) for the treatment of agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. News release. April 30, 2026. Accessed May 15, 2026. https://axsometherapeuticsinc.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/axsome-therapeutics-announces-fda-approval-auvelityr

2. Kuntz L. FDA accepts NDA for priority review: centanafadine for treatment of ADHD. Psychiatric Times. January 27, 2026. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/fda-accepts-nda-for-priority-review-centanafadine-for-treatment-of-adhd

3. HHS launches MAHA action plan to curb psychiatric overprescribing. US Department of Health and Human Services. News release. May 4, 2026. Accessed May 15, 2026. https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-launches-maha-action-plan-curb-psychiatric-overprescribing.html

4. Kuntz L. HHS launches action plan to promote “appropriate psychiatric prescribing.” Psychiatric Times. May 5, 2026. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/hhs-launches-action-plan-to-promote-appropriate-psychiatric-prescribing

5. Kuntz L, Goodwin G. Dispelling myths about psychedelics: in conversation with Guy Goodwin, MD. Psychiatric Times. March 16, 2026. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/dispelling-myths-about-psychedelics-in-conversation-with-guy-goodwin-md