BMB-201
BMB-201 is a serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptor agonist described as a non-hallucinogenic psychoplastogen which is under development for the treatment of depression, anxiety, pain, and other indications.
The drug is a prodrug of another compound called BMB-A39a. It acts as a partial agonist of the serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors. BMB-A39a is less efficacious in activating Gq signaling at the serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors compared to psilocin. The value of BMB-A39a in activating the serotonin 5-HT2C receptor is around 10-fold higher than for activating the 5-HT2A receptor. In addition to the serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors, BMB-A39a is a potent partial agonist of the serotonin 5-HT1F and 5-HT6 receptors. Conversely, BMB-A39a shows minimal or negligible activity in activating the serotonin 5-HT2B receptor and does not activate other serotonin receptors.
BMB-201 is said to have minimal or absent psychedelic effects due to its reduced serotonin 5-HT2A receptor intrinsic activity but to potently induce neuroplasticity. It has been reported to show effectiveness in animal models of depression, anxiety, pain, and substance use disorder.
BMB-201 is under development by Bright Minds Biosciences. As of October 2024, its highest developmental phase is preclinical research. The chemical structure of BMB-201 does not yet appear to have been disclosed.