Psychedelic drugs acting on serotonin 5‑HT2A receptors to help methamphetamine addiction
Investigations into 5-HT2A signaling mechanisms of psychedelic drugs for the treatment of stimulant use disorder
Using drugs that target the brain's serotonin 5‑HT2A receptor to reduce methamphetamine use and related motivation problems in people with stimulant use disorder.
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 ID | NIH-11323981 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at how drugs that act on the serotonin 5‑HT2A receptor might reduce methamphetamine use and improve motivation you may have lost. Researchers will test new, selective 5‑HT2A compounds in laboratory models, including cells and animal meth self‑administration tests, to see which receptor signaling patterns change drug‑seeking behavior. They will measure changes in brain plasticity and performance on tasks tied to motivation and learning. The goal is to identify signaling signatures that could guide safer, more targeted treatments based on psychedelic pharmacology.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with stimulant use disorder, especially people with methamphetamine use disorder who struggle with cravings, relapse, or low motivation, would be most relevant to the goals of this research.
Not a fit: People who do not have stimulant use disorder or who have medical conditions that make serotonin‑acting drugs unsafe are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new medications or psychedelic‑informed treatments that reduce methamphetamine use and restore motivation.
How similar studies have performed: Early clinical work suggests psychedelics like psilocybin can help with some addictions (alcohol, nicotine) and mood disorders, but applying selective 5‑HT2A signaling approaches to methamphetamine is relatively novel and not yet proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccorvy, John D — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Mccorvy, John D
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.