Trend Non-hallucinogenic neuroplastogens shift the field from the trip to the underlying biology

Summary

GWI's Psychedelics and Healing Initiative reports that a quieter class of compounds, called neuroplastogens, is shaping the next phase of psychedelic medicine. These small molecules aim to promote structural and functional change in the brain, delivering fast and lasting benefits without hallucinations, dissociation or supervised dosing. Research by David Olson suggests many psychedelics stimulate the growth of dendritic spines that help neurons connect, and that this growth may be achievable without the trip. Companies including Delix, AtaiBeckley, Clearmind and Enveric are developing such compounds, and AbbVie's deal with Gilgamesh targets novel neuroplastogens. The Initiative says the field's centre of gravity is moving from guided experiences to the underlying biology of neuroplasticity. The promise is outpatient treatment that is quicker, more affordable and more widely available.