Neuropharmacology of halogenated DMT analogs: psychoplastogenic and antidepressant properties of 5-Br-DMT, a psychedelic derivative with low hallucinogenic potential.

ABSTRACT: Current first-line antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), often present a delayed onset of action and fail to effectively treat a large proportion of patients, leaving a gap in the treatment of mood disorders. Psychedelics have recently emerged as promising alternatives due to their ability to produce fast-acting antidepressant effects through neuroplastic adaptations, but their hallucinogenic properties remain a major obstacle to their widespread therapeutic use. In this study, we characterized a novel class of halogenated DMT derivatives-5-F-DMT, 5-Cl-DMT, and 5-Br-DMT-for their pharmacological activity, behavioral effects, and therapeutic potential. Using a combination of in vitro assays, in silico modeling, and in vivo behavioral and gene expression st

SUBMITTER: Puigseslloses P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12916285 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature