Maged Harraz

Maged Harraz is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine whose research focuses on identifying novel biological targets for the treatment of cocaine use disorder. His team has uncovered new mechanisms involved in cocaine’s effects on the brain, including the identification of brain acid-soluble protein 1 (BASP1) as a potential cocaine receptor and the role of cocaine-induced autophagy in altering dopamine transporter function. Building on these discoveries, his work seeks to identify small molecules that can selectively interfere with these pathways. His research aims to translate fundamental discoveries in addiction neuroscience into novel pharmacotherapies for cocaine use disorder and potentially other substance use disorders.