Investigating how psilocybin affects nicotine use in rats
Official title: Set and setting: the effects of psilocybin on nicotine self-administration in rats
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11053594 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how psilocybin, a natural substance found in some mushrooms, might help reduce the urge to smoke by testing it on rats, which could lead to new ways to help people quit smoking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $80,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R03DA058238-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053594 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for potential benefits from this research would be individuals with nicotine dependence or those seeking to quit smoking.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not smoke or are not interested in quitting nicotine may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, on nicotine self-administration in rats. The study aims to understand how psilocybin may influence the motivation to consume nicotine, which could have implications for treating smoking addiction. It also examines how the context in which psilocybin is administered, including the animal's internal state and environment, affects its impact. By using an animal model, the research seeks to provide insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin for nicotine dependence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies for individuals struggling with nicotine addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with psychedelic compounds in treating substance use disorders, suggesting that this approach may also be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meyer, Paul J — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Meyer, Paul J
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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.