When thinking about psychedelic substances, most people associate them with hallucinogenic experiences. USF alumni Dr. Chris Witowski and Dr. Jackie von Salm are on a mission to reshape this perception through their company, Psilera. Their groundbreaking research focuses on developing non-hallucinogenic drugs that retain the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, offering new avenues for treating mental health disorders.
The innovation of non-hallucinogenic psychedelics
Non-hallucinogenic psychedelics represent a significant innovation in the field of mental health treatment. Traditional psychedelics like psilocybin are known for their ability to alter consciousness and induce hallucinations. These effects are largely due to their interaction with serotonin receptors in the brain. However, the hallucinogenic aspect of these substances has limited their widespread therapeutic use due to safety concerns and the unpredictability of the psychedelic experience from person to person. Psilera seeks to modify the molecular structure of classic psychedelics to retain their beneficial effects on mental health without triggering hallucinations. By fine-tuning the interaction with serotonin receptors, particularly by avoiding the activation of the 5-HT2A receptor responsible for hallucinations, Psilera aims to create drugs that can alleviate mental health symptoms without the risks associated with traditional psychedelics.
Revolutionizing mental health treatment
Psilera’s research could revolutionize mental health treatment, particularly in addressing conditions that have seen little change in treatment in recent decades. Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and various forms of dementia, including frontotemporal dementia (FTD), are prevalent and often resistant to existing treatments. Witowski and von Salm are particularly focused on FTD, a devastating neurodegenerative condition that currently has no effective treatment options. The personal connection to FTD for von Salm, whose father passed away after a decade-long battle with the disease, highlights the urgency and significance of Psilera’s work. By developing non-hallucinogenic psychedelics, Psilera aims to offer new hope for patients suffering from mental health disorders that have been traditionally difficult to treat.
Moreover, Psilera’s approach could lead to faster and broader acceptance of psychedelic-based therapies. By removing the hallucinogenic component, these treatments may be seen as more accessible and less controversial, paving the way for regulatory approval and integration into mainstream medical practice.
The limitations of traditional psychedelic therapies
Traditional psychedelic therapies, which typically involve substances like psilocybin, LSD, or MDMA, have shown promise in treating a range of mental health disorders, from depression to PTSD. However, their therapeutic use is often accompanied by intense and unpredictable hallucinogenic experiences, requiring controlled environments and professional supervision. While these traditional therapies have demonstrated significant benefits, they are not suitable for all patients due to the potential for adverse psychological effects, including anxiety and psychosis. This limitation has slowed their adoption and necessitated the development of safer alternatives.
Psilera’s non-hallucinogenic psychedelics offer a compelling alternative by harnessing the therapeutic effects of these substances without the need for the hallucinogenic experience. This innovation could make psychedelic-based treatments more accessible to a broader population, including those who may be hesitant or unable to undergo traditional psychedelic therapy.
Furthermore, Psilera’s research is rooted in the natural products chemistry background of its founders, which emphasizes the use of compounds derived from nature. By taking advantage of the molecular similarities between these natural compounds and serotonin, Psilera is able to create drugs that mimic the body’s natural processes, potentially reducing side effects and increasing the efficacy of treatments.
The future of non-hallucinogenic treatments
As Psilera approaches its fifth year, the company has made significant strides in both scientific research and public advocacy. With phase one of human clinical trials on the horizon, Psilera’s first molecule, PSIL-006, represents a critical step toward bringing non-hallucinogenic psychedelics to market. These trials will focus on safety and tolerability, particularly assessing whether the drugs can deliver therapeutic benefits without inducing hallucinations.
Witowski and von Salm’s work is not only a testament to their dedication to advancing mental health treatment but also a reflection of the broader shift in societal attitudes toward psychedelics. By advocating for regulatory changes and educating the public and policymakers, Psilera is helping to pave the way for a new era in mental health research—one where the stigma surrounding psychedelics is replaced by a focus on their potential to heal.
Looking ahead, the founders of Psilera envision a “golden age in mental health research,” where innovations like non-hallucinogenic psychedelics lead to novel treatments that improve the quality of life for countless individuals. As our population ages and the prevalence of mental health disorders continues to rise, the work of companies like Psilera offers a beacon of hope for a future where it is effective and accessible.
