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UC Davis Develops LSD Analog JRT With Breakthrough Neuroplastic Benefits and Reduced Hallucinogenic Risks

Recent studies confirm JRT's potent antidepressant effects, cognitive benefits, and safety profile, marking a significant step forward in neuropsychiatric treatment research.

pieces of paper with chemical structures, micro dosing concept
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JRT exhibited powerful neuroplastic effects and improved measures in mice relevant to the negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, without exacerbating behaviors and gene expression associated with psychosis. Credit: Neuroscience News
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Overview

  • JRT, a novel LSD analog created by UC Davis researchers, enhances neuroplasticity while avoiding hallucinogenic effects, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for schizophrenia and other brain disorders.
  • Preclinical studies in mice revealed a 46% increase in dendritic spine density and an 18% rise in synapse density in the prefrontal cortex, key markers of improved neural connectivity.
  • JRT demonstrated robust antidepressant effects, reported to be 100 times more potent than ketamine, and improved cognitive flexibility in behavioral tests relevant to schizophrenia treatment.
  • The drug's design involved flipping the position of two atoms in LSD's molecular structure, significantly reducing hallucinogenic potential while retaining therapeutic efficacy.
  • Ongoing research aims to optimize JRT's synthesis, explore its application for other neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions, and develop additional analogs for broader therapeutic use.