Baltimore, MDNCT06355414Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Chronic Low-back Pain Clinical Trial in Baltimore, MD

Access cutting-edge chronic low-back pain treatment through this phase 1 clinical trial at a research site in Baltimore. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by Johns Hopkins University

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Expert Care in Baltimore

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IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related chronic low-back pain treatment provided free

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Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Baltimore

    Convenient for MD residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Baltimore site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Chronic Low-back Pain Study in Baltimore

This study seeks to provide insight on psilocybin's effects on mechanisms of chronic pain among patients with co-morbid chronic low back pain and depression (CLBP+D). Participants will receive either a single high-dose of psilocybin (25mg absolute dose) or methylphenidate (40mg absolute dose). Participants will be asked to complete assessments of pain, depressive symptoms, and more general questionnaires regarding the participants experiences during the experimental sessions and the associated enduring effects.

Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

21 to 80 years old
Have given written informed consent
Report low back pain as ongoing problem ≥ 3 months and any low back pain on at least half of the days over the past 6 months (consistent with NIH Consensus Recommendations for defining CLBP; other chronic pain problems can be present, but CLBP must be reported as primary)
Report at least moderate depression symptoms Grid-Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (GRID-HAMD) ≥ 17
Fluent in English
At least high school level of education
Agree to abstain from any psychoactive drugs on the day prior to and the day of the drug administration session
Women who are of childbearing potential and sexually active who are not practicing an effective means of birth control must agree to practice an effective means of birth control throughout the duration of the study
Be judged by study team clinicians to be at low risk for suicidality
Concurrent psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norephinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and/or bupropion (\< 300 mg bupropion) is allowed if the type and frequency of the therapy has been stable for at least two months prior to screening and is expected to remain stable during participation in the study.
Concurrent psychotherapy is allowed if the type and frequency of the therapy has been stable for at least two months prior to screening and is expected to remain stable during participation in the study
Be otherwise medically stable as determined by screening for medical problems via a personal interview, a medical questionnaire, a physical examination, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and routine medical blood and urinalysis laboratory tests; CBC, comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), urine beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), urine toxicology screen.
Agree to consume approximately the same amount of caffeine-containing beverage (e.g., coffee, tea) that he/she consumes on a usual morning, before arriving at the research unit on the mornings of drug session days. If the participant does not routinely consume caffeinated beverages, he/she must agree not to do so on session days.
Agree not to take any as needed (PRN) medications on the mornings of drug sessions
Agree not to take sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil, or similar medications within 72 hours of each drug administration
Agree that for one week before each drug session, he/she will refrain from taking any nonprescription medication, nutritional supplement, or herbal supplement except when approved by the study investigators. Exceptions will be evaluated by the study investigators and will include acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and common doses of vitamins and minerals.
Have limited lifetime use of hallucinogens (the following criteria are preferred: no use in the past 5 years; total hallucinogen use less than 10 times)

Exclusion Criteria

Lifetime history of serious psychiatric (other than depression) or neurological disorders, including bipolar disorder, psychosis, or seizure disorder
History (past 2 years) of severe substance use disorder or current (past six months) substance use disorder of moderate severity
Clinically significant suicidal ideation (e.g. with strong intent or means) within past 6 months or history (past 5 years) of suicide attempt
Medical condition incompatible with psilocybin administration (e.g., cardiovascular)
On unstable/changing dose of opioid, benzodiazepine or other psychoactive or pain medication within 4 weeks prior to enrollment and/or unable to abstain from medication on drug administration day
Current use/positive toxicology for illicit drugs or positive breath alcohol test at screening and prior to each drug administration session.
Clinically significant transaminitis- aspertate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) greater than two times normal value).
Women who are pregnant (as indicated by a positive urine pregnancy test assessed at intake and before each drug session) or nursing;
Women who are of childbearing potential and sexually active who are not practicing an effective means of birth control.
Cardiovascular conditions: coronary artery disease, stroke, angina, uncontrolled hypertension, a clinically significant ECG abnormality (e.g., atrial fibrillation), prolonged corrected QT interval (QTc) interval (i.e., QTc \> 450 msec), heart valve, or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in the past year.
History of seizures and/or epilepsy with history of seizures.
Type 1 diabetes.
Medical conditions contraindicated for methylphenidate administration:
Concomitant use of Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or use within 14 days of MAOI discontinuation
Family history or diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome
Known Fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or sucrase-isomaltose insufficiency
Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate
Marked agitation, anxiety, and tension
Currently taking on a regular (e.g., daily) basis any antidepressant medications other than SSRIs, SNRIs, or bupropion, or any other medications that have a primary centrally-acting serotonergic effect, including MAOIs. Bupropion dosage must be \< 300 mg in order to be included. For individuals who have intermittent or PRN use of such medications and/or who taper off such medications after regular use, psilocybin sessions will not be conducted until at least 14 days or 5 half-lives (whichever is greater) of the agent have elapsed after the last dose.
Nicotine dependence that would be incompatible with an individual to be nicotine free for 8-10 hours on a psilocybin session day
Have a first degree relative with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders (except substance/medication-induced or due to another medical condition), or bipolar I disorder

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Baltimore?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT06355414) has an active research site in Baltimore, MD that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Chronic Low-back Pain Treatment Options in Baltimore, MD

If you're searching for chronic low-back pain treatment options in Baltimore, MD, this clinical trial (NCT06355414) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Baltimore research site is actively enrolling participants for this phase 1 clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced chronic low-back pain specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all chronic low-back pain clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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