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Evolution of Psychedelics: Molecules Inspired by 5-HT2 Receptor Biology

Friday May 19, 2023

10:30 am - 12:00 pm Eastern Time (ET)





Chair :

Kathryn Cunningham
University of Texas Medical Branch

Kurt Rasmussen
Delix Therapeutics



Psychedelics hold great promise for the treatment of several neuropsychiatric disorders. These compounds induce rapid and long-lasting neuroplastic effects in cortical neurons, effects which may play an important role in their therapeutic efficacy. The potential therapeutic impact of resetting neuroplasticity is linked to their affinity/efficacy for the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR). Unfortunately, hallucinogenic drugs may not be a viable option for many patients as even mild dementia or a history of psychosis may heighten risk for drug-associated adverse effects. There is a critical chemical gap in the development of molecules that maintain the neuroplasticity-promoting effects of psychedelics, but with a range of hallucinogenic-like effects. New classes of compounds have been synthesized that hold promise as non-hallucinogenic 5-HT2AR potentiators and therapeutics, and this panel presents distinct and innovative approaches in this regard.

Speakers

Kathryn Cunningham - University of Texas Medical Branch

Kurt Rasmussen - Delix Therapeutics

Psychedelics ≠ Hallucinogens: An Overview of Questions in the Field

Kathryn Cunningham - University of Texas Medical Branch

Positive Allosteric Modulators to Enhance 5-HT2C and 5-HT2A Receptors Functionality

Lindsay Cameron - University of California, Davis

The Development of Tabernanthalog: A Non-Hallucinogenic Psychoplastogen

Charles Nichols - LSU Health Sciences Center

New Chemical Entities Derived from Psychedelics: Dissecting Anti-Inflammatory vs. Behavioral Efficacy

Joshua Zamora - University of Texas Medical Branch

Modulation of 5-HT2A Receptor Functional Efficacy Via Protein: Protein Interactions

Kurt Rasmussen - Delix Therapeutics

Conclusion