Alexander Shulgin Research Institute
Also known as: ASRI
The Alexander Shulgin Research Institute (ASRI) was founded in 2021 by Dr. Nicholas Cozzi, Dr. Paul Daley, and the late Ann Shulgin, continuing the legacy of chemist Alexander Shulgin. The institute maintains the Shulgin Vault — a repository of over 500 compounds synthesized by Shulgin and ASRI scientists. Lead candidate ASR-3001 (5-MeO-iPALT) is an orally active, fast-acting tryptamine with a mild internal psychedelic profile and no visual hallucinations, near IND-ready for psychiatric disorders. ASR-2001 is a non-hallucinogenic compound producing mental clarity.
Development Programmes
3ASR-3001 (5-MeO-iPALT)
5-MeO-DMTDepression / anxiety — fast-acting tryptamine producing internal psychedelic state without sensory disturbance
Programme Tracker
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
IND-enabling studies ongoing. IND described as "on the threshold" (May 2024) but filing not yet confirmed as of April 2026. Leadership transitioned from Nicholas Cozzi to Paul Daley (March 2025).
Milestones
Funding milestone
Completed$7.2M seed round led by Noetic Fund
Why it matters: The Noetic Fund-led $7.2M seed provides runway for IND-enabling studies. ASRI is uniquely positioned with access to the Shulgin compound library — thousands of novel psychoactive compounds from the most prolific psychedelic chemist in history.
Company milestone
CompletedActual: Jun 1, 2023
Scientific Advisory Board formed; ASR-3001 and ASR-2001 identified as lead compounds at Psychedelic Science 2023
Why it matters: ASRI was founded on Bicycle Day 2021 by Ann Shulgin, Paul Daley, and Nicholas Cozzi to continue Alexander Shulgin's legacy with modern drug development. The SAB formation and lead compound selection at PS2023 marked the transition from IP curation to active development.
Company milestone
CompletedActual: May 1, 2024
International patent filings for empathogens, tryptamines, and phenylalkylamines; ASR-3001 described as "on the threshold" of IND filing
Why it matters: Patent filings across multiple compound classes protect the commercial value of the Shulgin library. The "threshold" IND language suggests preclinical tox work is near-complete for ASR-3001, though no filing has been confirmed.
Watch next: IND filing confirmation and Phase 1 FIH study initiation
Licensing deal
CompletedActual: Dec 1, 2024
Negev Labs licensing agreement for ASRI compound library — gives Negev access to develop compounds from the Shulgin collection
Why it matters: The Negev Labs licensing deal (announced alongside Negev's emergence from stealth and Beckley Psytech asset acquisition) creates a parallel development pathway for ASRI compounds. Generates licensing revenue for ASRI while expanding the reach of the Shulgin library.
Company milestone
CompletedActual: Mar 1, 2025
Leadership transition — Paul Daley succeeds Nicholas Cozzi as ASRI president
Why it matters: Leadership change may reflect strategic shift or normal succession. Daley is an ASRI co-founder with deep Shulgin library expertise.
Recorded Events
Mar 1, 2025: Company milestone
Dec 1, 2024: Licensing deal
May 1, 2024: Company milestone
Jun 1, 2023: Company milestone
ASR-2001 (2CB-5PrO)
Non-hallucinogenic phenethylamine-based 5-HT2A agonist — preclinical
Programme Tracker
ASR-2001 Preclinical Programme
Preclinical characterisation of non-hallucinogenic phenethylamine-based 5-HT2A agonist
XOB
Bipolar disorder — bifunctional 5-HT2A antagonist / sodium channel blocker
Programme Tracker
Bipolar Disorder
Announced May 2024. Bifunctional compound combining 5-HT2A antagonism with sodium channel blockade — mechanistically distinct from all current bipolar medications.
Milestones
Discovery started
CompletedActual: May 1, 2024
ASRI announced XOB — a bifunctional 5-HT2A antagonist and sodium channel blocker — as a novel bipolar disorder candidate from the Shulgin library
Why it matters: XOB combines two validated mechanisms (5-HT2A antagonism used in atypical antipsychotics; sodium channel blockade used in mood stabilisers like lamotrigine) in a single molecule. If the bifunctional profile translates to efficacy with fewer side effects, it could be a novel approach to bipolar treatment.
Recorded Events
May 1, 2024: Discovery started
Quick Facts
- Type
- Non-Profit
- Founded
- 2021
- Lead Stage
- Pre-clinical
- Website
- Visit