Startups, Serotonin, & Serendipity: An Evening with Dr. Adam Klein at The District House
This week, The District House welcomed Dr. Adam Klein, Psychedelic Neuroscientist and Senior Scientist at Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals, for an evening that blended science, humor, and meaningful dialogue. The event, hosted by Hannah Jo, drew a packed house eager to explore the frontier of psychedelic medicine.
Dr. Klein’s presentation, “Startups, Serotonin, & Serendipity,” dove into how companies like Gilgamesh are developing psychedelic and psychedelic-inspired compounds with the goal of achieving FDA approval. His expertise as a neuropsychopharmacologist shone through as he explained the process of drug discovery and clinical trials, while also addressing the mental health crisis driving this wave of innovation.
One moment that stood out was Dr. Klein’s take on the term “plant medicine.” He noted that the phrase can unintentionally exclude many compounds with healing potential, preferring instead to simply call it all medicine. With a smile, he introduced the audience to the concept of “pharma-chauvinism” — jokingly described as, “my drugs are better than your drugs.” The laughter that followed underscored the night’s balance of serious inquiry and lighthearted connection.
The audience was fully engaged, with a lively Q&A session that sparked thoughtful conversations about the work being done at Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals, including questions on:
The most promising novel psychedelic compounds in development
How clinical trials are structured to ensure safety and efficacy
What the future of mental health treatment could look like if these therapies are approved
The challenges of balancing scientific rigor with the urgency of today’s mental health crisis
Dr. Klein not only answered with depth and clarity, but also emphasized the importance of collaboration between scientists, clinicians, and communities to bring these treatments to life.
As with all District216 gatherings, the evening wasn’t just about information — it was about connection. Guests left not only with new knowledge but also with the sense that they are part of a movement shaping the future of mental health care.
💜 Thank you to Dr. Adam Klein and Hannah Jo for an evening of insight, laughter, and hope.
