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AWD 52-39 is an investigational lysergamide (a chemical relative of LSD) that was developed as a nootropic for cognitive disorders before its discontinuation.
- Improved learning and memory performance in animal models
- Altered blood-brain-barrier transport of choline and glucose in a rat ethanol-exposure model
Overview
An old East German LSD-family compound built for memory, not for tripping; it never got anywhere near approval and the safety picture is basically blank.
Mechanism
Chemically related to dihydrolysergic acid derivatives, AWD 52-39 is reported to act as a 5-HT2 receptor affecting vascular and central serotonergic tone. In animal studies it improved learning and memory performance and produced antidepressant-like effects, and separately was shown to alter blood-brain-barrier transport of and glucose in ethanol-exposed rats.
receptor fingerprint
5-HT2 receptorAntagonist
Safetyrisks and cautions, not medical advice
AWD 52-39 reached Phase II clinical trials for cognitive disorders before development was discontinued. Because it was never marketed, there is no comprehensive published human safety record, and its structural relationship to LSD means it has not been characterized for psychoactive risk the way its parent compound has.
Subjective profileweighing the evidence above
Not worth chasing. The memory claims begin and end in rats, development stopped after Phase II, and there is no published human safety record for a compound structurally related to LSD. That combination is the whole problem with it.
Resources
This entry is here for reference.
Research
1 listed here; entry last updated August 2026
Reviews
My notesprivate to this device
FAQ
What is AWD 52-39 used for?
It was developed as a nootropic (cognitive enhancer) intended to treat cognition disorders, not as a recreational drug.
How does AWD 52-39 work?
It is reported to act on serotonin 5-HT2 receptors, which is thought to underlie its effects on memory, learning, and cerebral blood flow in animal studies.
Is AWD 52-39 well-researched?
Research is thin and dated; it reached Phase II trials decades ago, but development was discontinued and no modern human safety data exist.
Limitations of the evidence
- Comprehensive human safety data do not exist
Notes and cautions
- Never completed human development or reached market