Bill > HB3344

This bill establishes a grant program in West Virginia to fund drug development trials for ibogaine, a substance potentially useful in treating opioid use disorder and other mental health conditions. The Secretary of Health will create a competitive grant process where potential applicants (for-profit, nonprofit, or public benefit entities) must submit detailed proposals that include a comprehensive drug development trial strategy, patient recruitment and safety protocols, plans for securing FDA approval, and commitments to establish a corporate presence in West Virginia. A selection committee composed of subject matter experts, philanthropic partners, and legislative designees will review applications and recommend top candidates. The selected applicant must submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the FDA, seek breakthrough therapy designation, and establish trial sites with cardiac intensive care capabilities. The bill requires the applicant to match state funding and contribute an equal amount toward the drug development costs. The goal is to advance research into ibogaine as a potential treatment for opioid and substance use disorders, with specific emphasis on creating intellectual property, training medical providers, ensuring treatment access, and potentially securing insurance coverage for the treatment.