UCSF researchers led by neuroscientist Jennifer Mitchell are developing MM120, a pharmaceutical form of LSD to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Current medications like Zoloft reduce symptoms by only 1.25 points on a 56-point scale, leaving many patients with severe symptoms that disrupt daily functioning, employment, and social connections. About 5% of US adults live with GAD.

In clinical trials with approximately 200 participants, MM120 showed promising results, reducing anxiety symptoms by 5-6 points on the anxiety scale. This improvement could reclassify moderate anxiety as mild in some cases. The drug works by promoting neuroplasticity and increasing communication between brain regions to address rigid thinking patterns underlying GAD.

Participants experienced generally mild side effects including hallucinations, visual distortions, nausea, and headache. The highest dosage was no more effective, so researchers will not use it. Nausea was managed through medication and dietary restrictions, though recruiting participants remains challenging as those with severe symptoms are often reluctant to leave home.