Psilocybin in Adults With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder

Last updated: March 4, 2024
Sponsor: King's College London
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd)

Asperger's Disorder

Treatment

Psilocybin 5 mg

Psilocybin 2 mg

Placebo

Clinical Study ID

NCT05651126
IRAS: 292281; REC: 21/LO/0795
  • Ages 18-60
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

This study will test the hypothesis that brain systems are differentially regulated by serotonin in individuals with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria: For all participants:

  • Calendar age above 18 years
  • Working knowledge of English
  • Able to give informed consent
  • Not pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Individuals should be in good physical health, prescription medication free during the 2-week period preceding a study visit. However, occasional use of over-the-countermedication (e.g. painkillers) on an as needed basis (and not on the day of studyvisit) may be permitted. In addition, regular prescription medication (use of a stabledose over the two months preceding participation) with a drug that does not affect 5HTdirectly may be permitted. Also permitted is topical medication without systemicexposure For individuals with ASD:
  • Diagnosis of ASD by recognised clinical service supported by the Autism DiagnosticInterview-Revised (ADI-R) if a relative is available. Current symptom level assessedusing the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria: For all participants:

  • History of allergy/idiosyncrasy to psilocybin or chemically related compounds orexcipients which may be employed in the study or to any other drug used in the past
  • Clinically relevant history or presence of any medical disorder, potentiallyinterfering with this study
  • Clinically relevant abnormality at screening as judged by the investigator
  • History of or current abuse of drugs (including prescription medication) or alcohol orsolvents
  • Participation in a research study involving a pharmacological probe or drug trialwithin last month
  • Subjects with current epilepsy, seizures or episodes of unexplained and unprovokedloss of consciousness
  • Anyone with a history or examination which indicates laboratory testing is needed willbe excluded from the study
  • Intelligence Quotient below 70
  • Currently taking prescription medications of propranolol or pindolol
  • Individuals with major mental illness
  • Individuals who have a current or past history of meeting diagnostic criteria forschizophrenia or other psychotic disorders or bipolar I or II disorder Reproductive safety:
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding (is a routine exclusion for research MRI scanning)
  • Female study participants must be willing to use one form of highly effectivenon-hormonal contraception for one week after study drug administration. This wouldinclude a vasectomised partner (sole partner), tubal occlusion, intrauterine system [IUS]/hormonal coil or copper containing intrauterine device or copper containing IUD,or true abstinence (when this is in line with the preferred and usual lifestyle of thesubject). Women should have been stable on their chosen method of birth control for aminimum of 2 months before entering the study. Participants must agree to undergo apregnancy test prior to each administration of study drug For individuals with ASD: ASD caused by a known genetic syndrome, e.g. Fragile X, 22q11 deletion syndrome. Currently treated for epilepsy

Study Design

Total Participants: 70
Treatment Group(s): 3
Primary Treatment: Psilocybin 5 mg
Phase:
Study Start date:
December 12, 2022
Estimated Completion Date:
September 30, 2025

Study Description

To do this, the brain response to two single acute doses of partial serotonin (5HT)1A/2A receptor agonist psilocybin (COMP360) relative to a single dose of placebo (baseline serotonin activity) will be compared in healthy autistic and non-autistic adults.

Brain function will be assessed using a range of MRI (fMRI and MRS), EEG and sensory tasks. Unimodal and multimodal analyses will be conducted.

Please note that this study uses psilocybin as a probe of the serotonin system in a Case-Control science study and, following Scope protocol review, the U.K. MHRA confirmed that it is not a 'Clinical Trial of an Investigational Medicinal Product' (IMP) as defined by the EU Directive 2001/20/EC.

Connect with a study center

  • King's College London

    London, SE5 8AF
    United Kingdom

    Active - Recruiting

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