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Maximizing the Therapeutic Value of Psychedelics: Recent Preclinical Studies

Tuesday April 09, 2019

8:00 am - 10:00 am Eastern Time (ET)

Room W205 A

BEH MP NEU TCP

Chair :

Clint Canal
Mercer University

Peter Hendricks
University of Alabama Birmingham



Psychedelics such as psilocybin and methylenedioxymethamphetamine are powerful psychoactive substances with overlap in both their behavioral pharmacology and molecular pharmacology. Research on these drugs is currently undergoing a renaissance. Recent studies have shown impressive efficacy in the treatment of a variety of mood and substance-use disorders. Despite these groundbreaking results, much work remains to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of psychedelics. Moreover, the development of new psychedelic medications that maximize therapeutic benefits, while minimizing adverse effects, is a major research goal. In this symposium, we will discuss recent findings from preclinical studies addressing these important research topics.

Speakers

Sara Lappan - University of Alabama Birmingham

The Therapeutic Promise of Psychedelics

Kevin Murnane - Mercer University

Developing Serotonin 2A Receptor Activators with Reduced Psychoactivity as New Treatments for Substance Dependence

William Fantegrossi - University of Arkansas for Medical Research

Developing a Safer Form of MDMA

Charles Nichols - LSU Health Sciences Center

Psychedelics are Powerful Anti-inflammatory Therapeutics