The proposed bill aims to establish a grant program in West Virginia to fund drug development trials for ibogaine, a substance being considered for the treatment of opioid use disorder and other mental health conditions. The Secretary of Health will oversee the program, which includes preparing a notice of funding opportunity, setting application requirements, and creating a selection committee composed of subject matter experts, philanthropic partners, and legislative designees. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to conduct trials, submit an investigational new drug application to the FDA, and develop comprehensive plans for trial execution, including patient recruitment and safety protocols.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for establishing drug development trial sites, conducting the trials, and selecting an institutional review board to oversee the research. Funding for the program will come from state appropriations and donations, with selected applicants required to match the grant amount they receive. The bill emphasizes the importance of ensuring access to ibogaine treatment for uninsured individuals and training medical providers to administer the treatment according to established clinical standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-67-1, 16-67-2, 16-67-3, 16-67-4, 16-67-5, 16-67-6, 16-67-7
Engrossed Version: 16-67-1, 16-67-2, 16-67-3, 16-67-4, 16-67-5, 16-67-6, 16-67-7