NCT06810310 · University of Pennsylvania
Psilocybin on Brain Mechanisms of Motivation in OUD
What this study is about
The goal of this study is to test addiction-related brain circuitry (motivation/reward and inhibition) as well as neurocognitive circuitry prior to and following low or high dose psilocybin (PEX010 from Filament). Using fMRI, brain circuits will be examined that are relevant to drug relapse as well as neurocognitive flexibility circuits in individuals with opioid use disorder.
View original scientific description
The goal of this study is to test addiction-related brain circuitry (motivation/reward and inhibition) as well as neurocognitive circuitry prior to and following low or high dose psilocybin (PEX010 from Filament). Using fMRI, brain circuits will be examined that are relevant to drug relapse as well as neurocognitive flexibility circuits in individuals with opioid use disorder. Investigators will randomize 24 males and females, aged 18 - 60, in the greater Philadelphia area, to either 1mg or 25 mg of psilocybin. Participants will come to our offices for screening visits - these are assessments, interviews, and some medical tests (such as a history and physical, as well as a fasting blood draw) to help determine eligibility for our study. If eligible, participants will be brought to research offices at 3535 Market Street in Philadelphia for about 7 visits. These visits include pre-dose psilocybin preparation therapy, baseline assessments and neuropsychological testing, psilocybin dosing, post dose therapy visits, and post dose assessments.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- An informed consent document voluntarily signed and dated by the subject.
- Either 1) have a confirmed prescription for BUP-NX in a drug monitoring program database, have been on a stable dose of BUP-NX for at least one week, and plan to continue taking BUP-NX for at least 12 weeks or 2) have received an injection of Sublocade® within the past month, or 3) are currently on methadone maintenance therapy and on a consistent dose for at least a week. Subject must provide a urine that is buprenorphine-positive (for subjects taking buprenorphine) or methadone-positive (for subjects taking methadone), during screening.
- Physically healthy males and females, aged 18-60 years old, who meet criteria for opioid use disorder (based on DSM-5 criteria) as their primary diagnosis and are voluntarily seeking treatment.
- Females must be non-pregnant and non-lactating. Additionally, for females with childbearing potential (i.e., have not undergone sterilization via hysterectomy, bilateral tubal ligation, or bilateral oophorectomy, or at least 1 year post-menopausal) participants must agree to use an acceptable form of contraception (e.g. abstinence, intrauterine device, hormonal injection, hormonal implant, hormonal patch/ring/pill, condoms (male or female), etc.) during study participation and to continue its use for the duration of the study
- Subject must read at or above eighth grade level and speak, understand, and write in English.
- IQ score of greater than or equal to 80.
Exclusion criteria
- Participation in clinical trial and receipt of investigational drug(s) during 30 days prior to the research study, except as explicitly approved by the Principal Investigator.
- Currently meets DSM-5 criteria for moderate to severe substance use disorder for any substance other than cocaine, alcohol, marijuana or nicotine as determined by the semi-structured interview. Any prior use of psilocybin is exclusionary. Patients with comorbid Alcohol Use Disorder will be accepted if their alcohol use disorder is not severe enough to require a medicated alcohol detoxification.
- Meets current or lifetime DSM-5 criteria for schizophrenia or any psychotic disorder, or organic mental disorder or has a first-degree family history of these disorders, this includes a history of hallucinogen-persistent perception disorder (HPPD)
- Meets current DSM-5 criteria for bipolar disorder --Meets current DSM-5 criteria for severe Major Depressive Disorder (mild and moderate MDD as well as in stable remission are allowed if no suicidal risk and no ongoing antidepressant therapy).
- Current or past significant trauma exposure with elevated Post-Traumatic Stress symptoms at the discretion of the PI.
- Presence of any another psychiatric disorder that in the opinion of the PI will interfere with completion of the study or place the patient at heightened risk through participation in the study.
- Current or past month active suicidal ideations or lifetime history of serious suicidal attempt.
- Has evidence of significant hepatocellular injury as evidenced by elevated bilirubin levels (greater than 1.3), or, pulmonary (e.g., COPD), endocrine, cardiovascular, renal (creatinine clearance less than or equal to 60ml/min) or gastrointestinal disease (e.g., Crohn's disease), or current HIV infection, and/or clinically significant levels (over 3.5x upper limit of normal) of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and serumalanine aminotransferase (ALT). Patients with documented Gilbert's syndrome will be included regardless of bilirubin levels.
- History of serious head trauma or injury causing loss of consciousness that lasted more than 3 minutes and/or associated with skull fracture or intracranial bleeding or abnormal MRI.
- Seizure disorder or history of seizures not related to drug or alcohol withdrawal (excluding childhood febrile seizure).
- Presence of magnetically active prosthetics, plates, pins, broken needles, permanent retainer, bullets, etc. in patient's body (unless a radiologist confirms that its presence is unproblematic). An x-ray may be obtained to determine eligibility.
- Claustrophobia or other medical condition that disables the participant from lying in the MRI for approximately 60 minutes.
- Non-removable skin patches, at discretion of PI.
- Has received medication that could interact adversely with psilocybin within the time of administration of study agent based on the Medical Director's guidance.
- Needs treatment with any psychoactive (e.g., anti-depressants) medications (with the exception of Benadryl used sparingly, if necessary, for sleep).
- \*Have the following cardiovascular conditions:
- coronary artery disease, congenital long QT syndrome (prior diagnosis), cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac ischemia, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction (prior diagnosis);
- tachycardia (defined as heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute);
- a clinically significant Screening ECG abnormality (e.g., atrial fibrillation); Note: A QTcF interval greater than 450 milliseconds is considered a clinically significant ECG abnormality
- artificial heart valve;
- any other significant current or history of cardiovascular condition, based on the clinical judgment of Medical Director, that would make a participant unsuitable for the study.
- \*At Screening or Baseline have elevated blood pressure as defined as:
- Screening blood pressure SBP greater than135 mmHg or DBP greater than 85 mmHg on three separate readings; or
- Baseline blood pressure SBP greater than140 mmHg or DBP greater than 90 mmHg on three separate readings
Where
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 9, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations