Exploring the antidepressant response to 2-Bromo-LSD in female mice

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and other psychedelic drugs have been shown to have therapeutic effects, including for the treatment of depression. However, their hallucinogenic effects may represent an undesirable side effect. Non-hallucinogenic derivatives of these drugs represent a promising alternative; one such alternative is 2-bromo-LSD (BetterLife drug TD-0148A), but data on its effectiveness as an antidepressant and mechanism of action is lacking. Depressive disorders are more frequently diagnosed in women across different cultures, suggesting a biological susceptibility mechanism. Therefore, we seek to determine whether TD-0148A has antidepressant effects in female mice and whether it promotes the formation of synaptic spines in neurons, as other rapidly acting antidepressants do. Furthermore, we will evaluate the effect of TD-0148A on global brain gene expression to determine how does it exert its therapeutic effects.

Faculty Supervisor:

Argel Aguilar Valles

Student:

Partner:

BetterLife Pharma Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Carleton University

Program: