The Readout Loud 380: A new top drug regulator and the future of psychedelics
Dec 4, 2025
David Olson, director at UC Davis Institute for Psychedelics and co-founder of Delix Therapeutics, delves into groundbreaking research on non-hallucinogenic drugs that promote neuroplasticity. He discusses how these substances may treat depression and anxiety while avoiding the psychedelic ‘trip.’ Olson also explores design challenges in creating these therapies, including safety and abuse potential. He outlines encouraging results from clinical trials on zalzupindol, highlighting rapid antidepressant effects that last well beyond treatment.
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Rapid Neuroplasticity Explained
- Psychedelics activate a serotonin receptor and rapidly promote structural neuroplasticity in the prefrontal cortex.
- That rapid neuron growth may explain quick and lasting effects on depression and PTSD symptoms.
Dose Separation Between Effects
- Neuroplasticity effects can appear at lower doses than hallucinogenic effects in preclinical tests.
- Dose separation suggests the therapeutic mechanism may be separable from the subjective 'trip.'
Design Drugs To Be Non-Hallucinogenic
- Avoid relying solely on low dosing to prevent hallucinations because diversion or intentional overdosing can occur.
- Instead, design molecules that are intrinsically non-hallucinogenic for safer at-home use.