"Discovery and Applications of Selective Serotonin 2A Receptor Agonists"

As part of the ongoing Student/Postdoc-Run Speaker Series (SPRSS), and on behalf of the Neural Mechanisms of Psychedelic Drug Action Group, Dr. Jesper Langgaard Kristensen from the University of Copenhagen will give a talk titled "Discovery and Applications of Selective Serotonin 2A Receptor Agonists." The talk can also be accessed via Zoom here.

Abstract: Classical psychedelics like Psilocybin, LSD and DMT have distinct pharmacological profiles interacting with a plethora of different receptors, but all activate the Serotonin 2A receptor. This component is believed to be responsible for their acute mind-altering effects, whereas their emerging long-term beneficial therapeutic effects have yet to be directly correlated to functional potency at this receptor. The rich pharmacological profiles of these compounds complicate the interpretation of data emerging from both preclinical and clinical research. Thus, ligands that selectively activate the serotonin 2A receptor have been pursued for decades. In this lecture, examples of agonists developed with different applications in mind will be presented along with results from preclinical and clinical investigations with these ligands.

For information on other talks organized by the 'Neural Mechanisms of Psychedelic Drug Action' Student/Postdoc-Run Group, view the program overview here.