Pioneering Psychedelics Scientist Alexander "Sasha" Shulgin's Legacy Lives On Via New Compounds And Research

MAPS recent Psychedelic Science 2023 conference hosted a discussion on the newly-synthesized compounds by the organization, which is advancing the legacy of the renowned chemist Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin. 

The Alexander Shulgin Research Institute (ASRI) presented findings on two new lab-created substances: ASR-3001, a second-generation, fast-acting tryptamine; and Phenylethylamine (PEA)-based non-hallucinogenic ASR-2001.

ASRI co-founder and president Dr. Nicholas Cozzi elaborated on these substances’ characterization, as well as their context within the psychedelics research field and some very interesting background history and the institute’s plans for the future, in a recent interview with Benzinga.

Inside Shulgin’s Lab: What His Heirs Are Creating

The first new compound, ASR-2001, is an orally active, non-hallucinogenic, highly potent 5-HT2A receptor activator, which demonstrated “exceptional selectivity” over the problematic (heart disease concerns) 5-HT2B receptor while not displaying any overt psychedelic effects. 

It produces a “focusing-type” mental clarity state without the psychostimulant effects of drugs like Adderall or Ritalin, its 8-10 hour duration of action and lack of 5-HT2B effects making it compatible with daily dosing. 

Meanwhile, ASR-3001 is a short-acting orally active compound that positively induces an internal psychedelic cognitive state, without sensory involvement. A combination the team believes makes it a potential “entry point” for patients reluctant to experiencing the fully immersive experience associated with classic psychedelics, almost like an adjunct to therapy.

While 2001’s effects are subtle, the 3001’s are noticeable, explained Cozzi. Also, as “completely different chemical structures,” both compounds have different receptor-binding profiles as well as rates of absorption: 3001’s effects are apparent within 15 minutes, while 2001’s would take between an hour and hour and a half.

ASR-2001 was explored up to 40 milligrams. With an approximate 10 to 40 milligram range, the effects -still “very subtle”- appeared at 10mg.

With ASR-3001, “the dosing range seems to be within the 8 to perhaps 14 milligrams,” says Cozzi. “And we're still doing some exploratory work, but 14 is probably on the high side, and a more agreeable or more navigable range might be in a 10 mg. So it's the same as ASR-2001 at 10 milligrams.”

The difference, again, is 2001 does not disturb and could even facilitate detailed work; while 10 mg of 3001 produces a frank psychedelic state, “so even at equal doses they produce very different effects.”

The Shulgin Research Institute is preparing corresponding studies toward IND application submissions with the FDA on both compounds and expects to commence Phase 1 clinical studies in 2024 with a licensing out option considering the costs of such trials. International protection around them will be seeked for as well.

Part 2 and 3 exploring ASRI's history and current work in the scientific research field are coming soon. 

Photo: Benzinga edit with photo by Zolnierek on Shutterstock and Charlie Llewellin  on Wikipedia.