NCT05452772 · Johns Hopkins University
5-HT2A Agonist Psilocybin in the Treatment of Tobacco Use Disorder
What this study is about
This is a multi-site, where neither patients nor doctors know which treatment is given, randomly assigned clinical trial of the 5-HT2A receptor agonist psilocybin for smoking cessation. Four sites with experience in conducting psilocybin research will be involved in this trial: Johns Hopkins University (JHU), the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and New York University (NYU).
View original scientific description
This is a multi-site, double-blind, randomized clinical trial of the 5-HT2A receptor agonist psilocybin for smoking cessation. Four sites with experience in conducting psilocybin research will be involved in this trial: Johns Hopkins University (JHU), the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and New York University (NYU).
Interventions
DRUG
Psilocybin
Participants will received two psilocybin sessions, 1 week apart
DRUG
Niacin
Participants will received two niacin sessions, 1 week apart
Primary outcome measures
Potential Efficacy (Smoking Cessation)
Time frame: 12 months
Smoking cessation will be dichotomously coded 7-day point prevalence abstinence at 12-month follow-up. This binary outcome (abstinent versus non-abstinent) will be verified via three measures of recent smoking-(1) timeline follow-back (TLFB), a self-report calendar completed retrospectively by participants indicating the number of cigarettes smoked each day; (2) exhaled carbon monoxide (CO), an objective and biological measure of smoking over approximately the past 24 hours; and (3) urinary cotinine level, an additional biological and objective measure of nicotine exposure and allows for detection of smoking or other nicotine product use over the previous six days. Though these measures are not study outcomes individually, they will verify 7-day point prevalence abstinence at 12-month follow-up - the primary outcome. Specifically, 0 cigarettes reported on the TLFB, breath CO of ≤6 ppm, and urine cotinine levels of \<200ng/mL will be considered smoking abstinence.
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
- 21 years old or older
- Be a daily smoker (minimum of 5 cigarettes/day on a typical day and breath CO of 6 or greater at screening) with multiple unsuccessful previous quit attempts, and report a continued desire to quit smoking
- Read, write, and speak English
- Agree to abstain from smoking for the psilocybin/niacin session from 1 hour before psilocybin/niacin administration until at least 8 hours afterward
- Agree to refrain from using any psychoactive drugs, including alcoholic beverages, within 24 hours of psilocybin/niacin administration
- Be healthy 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 lab tests. See
Exclusion criteria
- below for specific ECG and specific blood test criteria Exclusion Criteria:
- The use of e-cigarettes or tobacco products other than machine-manufactured combustible cigarettes (e.g., cigarillos) on more than 5 of the previous 30 days
- Women who are pregnant (positive pregnancy test) or nursing, or are not practicing an effective means of birth control
- Positive urine drug screen for illicit drugs (excluding cannabis)
- Positive urine breath test for alcohol. Participants with positive tests will be rescheduled
- For blood samples, the following lab values will be exclusionary: transaminases greater than x2 the upper limit of normal lab reference range, hemoglobin less than 11 g/d, and creatinine clearance \< 40 ml/min using the Cockroft-Gault equation.
- For ECG screening: The ECG will be read by a cardiologist. Corrected heart rate (QTc) greater than 450 msec will be excluded.
- Patients who have baseline vital signs that exceed the following measurements will be excluded from participation: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) \> 139 mmHG, diastolic blood pressure (DBP)\> 89 mmHG, and heart rate of \<=95 beats per minute (BPM). The investigators will perform serial heart rate monitoring with 3 total attempts. That is, heart rate must be \<=95 bpm on one of these attempts to be included in the study.
- Currently taking on a regular basis (e.g., daily) antidepressants of any drug class, antipsychotics, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or serotonin-acting dietary supplements (e.g., 5-hydroxy- tryptophan, St. John's wort). Currently taking efavirenz, Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitors such as disulfiram (Antabuse), Alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitors, or uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1-9 (UGT1A9) inhibitors or uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1-10 (UGT1A10) inhibitors such as phenytoin, regorafenib, eltrombopag. For individuals who have intermittent or "as needed" use of such medications, psilocybin sessions will not be conducted until at least 5 half-lives of the agent have elapsed after the last dose
- Current use of medications for smoking cessation (i.e., varenicline, nicotine replacement products, bupropion)
- Current neurological illnesses including, but not limited to, seizure disorders, frequent migraines or on prophylaxis, multiple sclerosis, movement disorders, history of significant head trauma (loss of consciousness \> 24 hours), or central nervous system (CNS) tumor
- Recent (within the past 12 months) or an extensive history of psychedelic use (\>20 lifetime uses)
- Current or past history of meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for Schizophrenia, Psychotic Disorder (unless substance-induced or due to a medical condition), or Bipolar I or II Disorder. Current or past history within the last 5 years of meeting DSM-5 criteria for alcohol or drug use disorder (excluding caffeine and nicotine) or severe major depression
- Recent (past year) history of suicidal behavior or attempt or high-level current suicidal ideation assessed by the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
- Have a first- or second-degree relative with schizophrenia, psychotic disorder (unless substance induced or due to a medical condition), or bipolar I or II disorder
- Currently meets DSM-5 criteria for Dissociative Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Major Depression, or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Where
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Baltimore, Maryland
- New York, New York
Collaborators
University of Alabama at Birmingham, New York University, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Related conditions & keywords
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 Jun 29, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations