Incilius alvarius cell-based synthesis of 5-MeO-DMT

Abstract There is growing interest in the therapeutic potential of 5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) for psychiatric disorders. While 5-MeO-DMT can be chemically synthesized, the parotoid gland secretions of Incilius alvarius (also known as the Colorado River or Sonoran Desert toad) contain 5-MeO-DMT and other molecules including bufotenine, bufagenins, bufotoxins, and indole alkylamines that may have individual clinical utility or act as entourage molecules to enhance the activity of 5-MeO-DMT. Incilius alvarius is currently under severe ecological pressure due to demand for natural 5-MeO-DMT and habitat loss. We established a cell line from tissue obtained by wedge biopsy of the Incilius alvarius parotoid gland and confirmed the cell-based biosynthesis of 5-MeO-DMT by LC-MS/MS. Cell-based biosynthesis of Incilius alvarius parotoid gland secretions is a potentially cruelty-free and sustainable source of naturally derived 5-MeO-DMT for research and drug development. Graphical Abstract