University of Sydney
To explore the effectiveness of of MDMA-assisted prolonged exposure therapy in improving treatment outcomes for individuals with comorbid PTSD and alcohol use disorder in a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial.
PTSD
Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol Dependence
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Comorbidities and Coexisting Conditions
Prolonged exposure therapy
MDMA
Niacin
Phase 2
New strategies for the treatment of comorbid PTSD and alcohol dependence are urgently required. Recent evidence has shown strong support for trauma-focused integrated treatments (namely COPE), however, only 49% demonstrate clinically significant improvements. MDMA may be a promising approach to improve response to COPE for this population. Emerging evidence suggests that MDMA-assisted therapy may be of promise for PTSD, and has demonstrated a good safety profile and potential efficacy in alcohol dependence. This project will evaluate the clinical efficacy and tolerability of MDMA-assisted COPE relative to a control-assisted COPE. Active control used in this study is niacin. The investigators hypothesise that MDMA treated participants will be have a reduction in PTSD symptom severity as well as heavy drinking. The trial will utilise a double blind, randomised, controlled design. A sample of 120 individuals will receive 14 weeks of treatment including 12 COPE sessions and 2 dosing sessions with MDMA (80-160mg) or control (niacin 250mg).}}
Study Type : | Interventional |
Estimated Enrollment : | 120 participants |
Masking : | Double |
Primary Purpose : | Treatment |
Official Title : | A Randomised, Controlled Trial of MDMA-assisted Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Comorbid Alcohol Use Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder |
Actual Study Start Date : | September 19, 2023 |
Estimated Primary Completion Date : | May 2026 |
Estimated Study Completion Date : | May 2026 |
Arm | Intervention/treatment |
---|---|
Experimental: COPE + MDMA 4x COPE sessions Dose 1: 2x MDMA capsules (80mg) + 1x niacin-matched placebo capsule Optional supplementary dispense: 1x MDMA capsule (40mg) 4x COPE sessions Dose 2: 2x MDMA capsules (80mg) + 1x niacin-matched placebo capsule Optional supplementary dispense: 1x OR 2x white MDMA capsule (40 or 80mg) 4x COPE sessions |
Behavioral: Prolonged exposure therapy Drug: MDMA |
Other: COPE + Niacin (Control) 4x COPE sessions Dose 1: 2x MDMA-matched placebo capsules + 1x niacin capsule (250mg) Optional supplementary dispense: 1x MDMA-matched placebo capsule 4x COPE sessions Dose 2: 2x MDMA-matched placebo capsules + 1x niacin capsule (250mg) Optional supplementary dispense: 1x OR 2x MDMA-matched placebo capsule 4x COPE sessions |
Behavioral: Prolonged exposure therapy Drug: Niacin |
Ages Eligible for Study: | 18 Years |
Sexes Eligible for Study: | All |
Accepts Healthy Volunteers: | No |
Want to participate in this study, select a site at your convenience, send yourself email to get contact details and prescreening steps.
Recruiting
Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2050
Not yet recruiting
Turning Point
Richmond, Victoria, Australia, 3121