Developing targeted drugs to harness the antidepressant effects of psychedelics without their hallucinogenic properties
Official title: Structure-based Design of Selective Serotonin Biased Agonists as Chemical Probes for Psychedelic Potential
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11067816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new medications that can help treat depression without causing the hallucinogenic effects of psychedelics, by focusing on specific brain receptors that are important for mood improvement.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | July 12, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $439,426 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH133849-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067816 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from depression who may benefit from novel antidepressant therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have depression or related mood disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating new chemical compounds that selectively activate the 5-HT2A receptor, which is crucial for the antidepressant effects of psychedelics. The project aims to differentiate between the antidepressant and psychedelic effects of these compounds, potentially leading to effective non-hallucinogenic antidepressants. Researchers will use a structure-based design approach to develop selective agonists and biased agonists that can provide therapeutic benefits without the side effects associated with traditional psychedelics. By exploring various chemical modifications, the team hopes to identify compounds that can improve patient outcomes in depression treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new antidepressant medications that are fast-acting and long-lasting without the psychedelic effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using psychedelics for treating depression, but this approach aims to refine and improve upon those findings with a novel focus on selective agonism.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccorvy, John D — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Mccorvy, John D
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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.