Current Research Studies
Psilocybin Precision Functional Mapping (Research Phase 1) In partnership with Usona, our group has established the safety and feasibility of a novel, intensive precision functional brain mapping protocol conducted before, during, and after psilocybin exposure in healthy adults. By using advanced imaging and intensive scanning in the weeks following a psilocybin dose, this novel design will elucidate the timecourse of effects on individual brain networks. Data acquisition is ongoing and will answer critical questions about the acute and persisting effects of psychedelic medicines.
FDA IND: #154066, clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04501653
Preprint: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.22.23294131v1
Animal Research to elucidate neurocircuitry of the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2A): Psychedelics’ perceptual effects occur via 5-HT2A agonism. However, recent research suggests that their hallucinogenic effects may be dissociable from neurotrophic effects. Elucidating the complex role of the 5-HT2A receptor in neural, neurovascular, and neurotrophic effects is critical in future development of psychedelic and related medicines. In this collaboration between Adam Bauer, PhD (Biomedical Engineering), Jordan McCall, PhD (Pharmacology) and Joshua Siegel, MD PhD (Psychiatry), we will differentiate the effects of 5-HT2A agonism by psychedelics from non-hallucinatory agonism with respect to neuronal, neurovascular, and neurotrophic effects. Using rodents allows us to define observed signals at level not accessible in ongoing human research.
Phase II/III Clinical Trial of Psilocybin for Depression: We are currently in planning with to be a site for Phase II/III clinical trials of psilocybin for depression. This will provide tremendous synergy and added value with our ongoing human research and training efforts.