204. A NOVEL, NON-HALLUCINOGENIC PSYCHEDELIC FOR THE TREATMENT OF OCD AND TIC DISORDER
International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology August 1, 2025 B. Lerer, P. Golding, M. Brownstien et al.
A novel compound, HBL20017, designed to act on serotonin receptors (5-HT2A, 5-HT1A, and 5-HT2C), did not induce head-twitch response in mice, suggesting it is non-hallucinogenic. In the marble burying test, HBL20017 significantly reduced the number of marbles buried compared to vehicle, indicating anti-obsessional potential. In SAPAP3 knockout mice—a model for obsessive-compulsive disorder and tic disorders—a single dose of HBL20017 alleviated excessive self-grooming and head-body twitches. The reduction in self-grooming was evident 48 hours after treatment and persisted for up to 42 days. No mice developed grooming-associated skin lesions. These findings suggest HBL20017 may be a non-hallucinogenic psychedelic treatment for OCD and tic disorders.