Finding non-hallucinogenic medicines that restore brain connections to help addiction
High-throughput Identification of Non-hallucinogenic Psychoplastogens for Treating Addiction
Looking for new non-hallucinogenic compounds that may quickly repair prefrontal brain connections to help people with substance use disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11292383 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project screens large libraries of small molecules to find ones that rapidly rebuild neurons and synapses in the prefrontal cortex, a brain area often weakened by addiction. Researchers use high-throughput lab assays and animal models to identify compounds that activate TrkB/BDNF signaling and promote plasticity without causing hallucinations. Promising candidates will be tested further for safety, durability, and behavioral effects in preclinical models. If leads perform well, the most promising could advance toward human testing in later studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with substance use disorders (addiction), especially those with recurrent relapse or impaired control, would be the eventual candidates for these treatments.
Not a fit: People without substance use disorders, those needing immediate clinical care, or those seeking treatments unrelated to brain-plasticity approaches should not expect direct benefit from this early laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to a fast-acting, non-hallucinogenic medication that helps restore decision-making circuits, reduce cravings, and lower relapse risk in people with addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Related work shows classic psychedelics can rapidly promote brain plasticity and help addiction, but non-hallucinogenic versions are novel and largely unproven in humans.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Olson, David E — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Olson, David E
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 below.