Developing new compounds from natural products to treat mental health and addiction issues
Official title: Synthesis of Bioactive Natural Products and Unnatural Congeners
Funded at Florida State University · NIH-11092846 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new versions of the psychedelic drug LSD to see if they can help people with depression, PTSD, and addiction feel better and improve their mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $366,816 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150795-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092846 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from neuropsychiatric disorders such as severe depression, PTSD, or addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neuropsychiatric disorders or those who do not respond to psychotropic medications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating new psychoactive compounds derived from the well-known psychedelic LSD, aiming to find innovative treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression, PTSD, and addiction. The approach involves synthesizing various derivatives of LSD that have not been previously explored, using a unique method that allows for the modification of chemical structures. By investigating these new compounds, the research hopes to uncover potential therapeutic options that could improve mental health outcomes for patients suffering from these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel treatments for mental health disorders and addiction, potentially improving the quality of life for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing psychoactive compounds for therapeutic use, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in treatment options.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida State University
Tallahassee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Joel Michael — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Smith, Joel Michael
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.