UNIC review highlights promise of novel psychiatric drug zalsupindole

A review led by Year 2 graduate entry medical student Miguel Salfiti, with the support of Dr George Mikellides, Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at UNIC’s Medical School and Dr Marios Kyriazis, Scientific Director of the National Gerontology Centre, was recently published in the peer-reviewed journal ACS Chemical Neuroscience, issued by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

The review highlights the therapeutic promise of zalsupindole, a novel compound currently being developed for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other central nervous system disorders.

Zalsupindole is a next-generation, non-hallucinogenic drug engineered to promote structural and functional neural plasticity – the brain’s ability to rewire itself – without producing psychedelic or dissociative effects.

The article evaluates the drug’s pharmacological properties, mechanistic selectivity, and early clinical development, by systematically reviewing relevant English-language publications between January 2019 and October 2025.

Commenting on the article, Miguel Salfiti said: ‘This work explores zalsupindole, a non-hallucinogenic psychoplastogen, and its potential role in shaping the next generation of psychiatric treatments. Compounds like this reflect a broader shift in psychiatry toward targeted neuroplasticity rather than symptom suppression alone. Publishing this paper was an important step in translating emerging neuroscience into clinically relevant discussion. I’m grateful for the guidance of Dr Mikellides and Dr Kyriazis throughout the process’.