A Study of the Effects of Oxytocin in Adults With Binge-eating Disorder

Last updated: November 9, 2026
Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital
Overall Status: Active - Not Recruiting

Phase

2

Condition

Bulimia

Obesity

Diabetes Prevention

Treatment

TNX-1900 (Tonix Pharmaceuticals)

Placebo

Clinical Study ID

NCT05664516
2022P002727
  • Ages 18-70
  • All Genders

Study Summary

This study evaluates the impact of intranasal oxytocin vs placebo in patients with binge eating disorder or episodes of binging. We hypothesize that 8 weeks of intranasal oxytocin vs placebo will improve clinical outcomes [reduction in bingeing frequency], and have a satisfactory safety and tolerability profile. We will also explore the predictive value of changes in homeostatic appetite, reward sensitivity, and impulse control, the identified underlying mediators, as assessed 4 weeks into the intervention, for treatment success after 8 weeks of the intervention.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Males and females, 18-70 years old

  • BMI greater than or equal to 18.5

  • BED as assessed by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Disorders (SCID-5-RV) OROther Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) - Binge-eating disorder (of lowfrequency and/or limited duration) (SCID-5-RV) OR Bulimia Nervosa (BN) throughexcessive exercise and/or fasting to avoid gaining weight after episodes of bingeeating. For individuals with OSFED-BED, the frequency of subjective and objectivebinge eating episodes will meet the frequency (Criterion D) for BED.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Substance use disorder active within the last 6 months, or clinical suspicion ofongoing substance use disorder at the discretion of the study clinician at the timeof screening based on history and/or laboratory results

  • Medication changes that have not reached steady state concentration, measured by theequivalent of 5 half-lives of that medication

  • Use of medications for binge eating disorder or weight loss unless at a stable dosefor at least 12 weeks

  • History of any of the following medical conditions: inflammatory bowel disease oruntreated thyroid disease

  • Uncontrolled epilepsy (as defined by a seizure within the last 12 months)

  • Clinically relevant ventricular arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, known long QTc,and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

  • Hematocrit >2% below normal

  • Hemoglobin A1c >8%

  • Use of insulin

  • ALT or AST >2.5 times upper limit of normal

  • Glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min

  • Hyponatremia. Note that, in order to be randomized, subjects must have Na ≥ 135mEq/L.

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Unwilling to use a medically acceptable form of contraception throughout the studyperiod (female of child-bearing potential only)

  • History of psychosis or active suicidal ideation

  • Major depressive disorder likely to require initiation or change in active treatment

  • Borderline personality disorder as assessed by the McLean Screening Instrument forBorderline Personality Disorder (MSI-BPD)

  • Current nicotine use, unless stable use for at least 12 weeks.

  • Participation in any clinical study involving an investigational drug, device, orbiologic within 1 month of randomization

  • Any significant illness, condition, or medication that the Investigator determinescould interfere with study participation and impact data collection or subjectsafety

Study Design

Total Participants: 60
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: TNX-1900 (Tonix Pharmaceuticals)
Phase: 2
Study Start date:
March 07, 2023
Estimated Completion Date:
March 31, 2027

Study Description

Study staff will screen patients for eligibility as per eligibility criteria. At least 60 eligible patients will be randomized 1:1 (active oxytocin: placebo) by an unblinded pharmacist. All other study staff and test subjects will be blinded. Study subject medical histories, physical exams, anthropometric measurements, labs, EKG's, and eating habits will be monitored over 8 weeks. Subjects will be evaluated at the following intervals: Baseline, week 2, week 4, week 8, and week 16 (8 weeks post-treatment).

Connect with a study center

  • Neuroendocrine Unit Research Center

    Boston, Massachusetts 02114
    United States

    Site Not Available

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