A Multi-site Randomized Controlled Trial of Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) in Veterans

Official Summary

The purpose of this multi-site randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the efficacy and risks of psilocybin for the treatment of depression in U.S. military Veterans with and without (±) concurrent posttraumatic stress disorder.

Eligibility Requirements

• Minimum Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Age: 75 Years

Study Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Model: PARALLEL
• Masking: QUADRUPLE
• Enrollment: 240 participants

Study Arms

• Control (ACTIVE_COMPARATOR)
  Psilocybin comparator dose
• Intervention (EXPERIMENTAL)
  Psilocybin intervention dose

Interventions

• DRUG: Psilocybin — Psilocybin comparator dose
• DRUG: Psilocybin — Psilocybin Intervention Dose

Primary Outcomes

• Montgomery-Asberg Rating Scale (MADRS) (2 weeks)

Secondary Outcomes

• Swiss Psychedelic Side Effects Inventory Overall Score (one day)

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Veteran of the U.S. military who is English-speaking
* Signed informed consent and HIPAA
* Adults \</= 75 years of age
* Meets DSM-5 criteria for current major depressive episode (MDE)
* MADRS \>/= 20 at baseline
* Failure to respond satisfactorily to \>/= 2 antidepressant treatments for \>/= 8 weeks, including \>/= 2 weeks at an adequate dose (\>/= 50% of the FDA-approved uppermost dose) for major depression. Augmentation with a medication for depression (e.g., neuroleptics, lithium, levothyroxine) is considered a separate course of treatment.
* If applicable, concurrent \& permitted antidepressants must be at stable doses for \>/= 4 weeks prior to baseline (see allowed \& prohibited medication list)
* Participants of child-bearing potential must have negative pregnancy test \& agree to adhere to a medically acceptable method of birth control during the study
* Has a responsible adult who will provide transportation to the participant's home or place of lodging on the days of psilocybin administration

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion Criteria:

* Lifetime bipolar, schizophrenia spectrum, or other psychotic disorders
* First-degree relative with history of bipolar I, schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorder
* Presence of psychotic symptoms (e.g., MDE with psychotic symptoms)
* Sedative-hypnotic, stimulant, inhalant and/or opioid use disorder within past 6 months (lifetime substance use disorder is allowed at the discretion of the LSI)
* Severe alcohol and/or cannabis use disorder within the past 6 months (mild or moderate alcohol and/or cannabis use is allowed at the discretion of the LSI)
* Lifetime hallucinogen persisting perception or hallucinogen use disorders
* Use of psilocybin, ayahuasca, mescaline, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), peyote, or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) within past 6 months
* Participant agrees to not use psychedelics (listed above) during the study, except as prescribed by the study protocol
* Taking prohibited medication within 2 weeks of baseline (see allowed and prohibited concomitant medication list)
* History of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI)
* Diagnosis of dementia or related progressive neurocognitive disorder
* Suicidal ideation/behavior Type 4 or Type 5 intensity on C-SSRS within past 6 months of baseline
* Psychiatric inpatient treatment within past 3 months of baseline
* Treatment with electroconvulsive therapy, deep brain stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, or transcranial magnetic stimulation within 3 months of baseline
* Implanted central nervous system device
* Treatment with evidence-based psychotherapy (EBP) for MDD or PTSD within 2 weeks prior to baseline. If receiving EBP therapy, he/she must complete treatment at least 2 weeks prior to baseline. Other forms of non-EBP psychotherapy for MDD or PTSD are allowed to continue during the study period.
* Pregnancy or lactation, or anticipated pregnancy or breastfeeding during the active treatment phase
* History of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, brain cancer, stroke and/or severe cardiac disease
* Clinically significant cardiac, pulmonary, renal, liver and/or other medical disease that, in the opinion of the investigator, may contraindicate the use of psilocybin, interfere with the interpretation of study results and/or constitute a health risk for the participant if they take part in the study
* Seizure disorder, except for seizures due to fever or withdrawal from a substance
* Clinically significant hypertension (\>160/95 mmHg), hypotension (\<90/60 mmHg) tachycardia (\>100 bpm at rest), QTc prolongation (\>450 msec men; \>470 msec women) or clinically significant arrhythmia on ECG
* Clinically significant abnormal laboratory results on chemistry panel, liver function tests, complete blood count, and/or thyroid stimulating hormone
* Positive urine drug screen for illicit drugs of abuse (except for THC) at screening or baseline
* Prior allergic, adverse reaction or adverse experience to a psilocybin formulation
* Litigating for disability income for a mental disorder outside the VA compensation and pension process

Trial Locations

• Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
• Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, AL, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States
• VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, Portland, Oregon, United States
• Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
• VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division, Seattle, WA, Seattle, Washington, United States

Contact Information

• Lori L Davis, MD AB — CONTACT
  Phone: (205) 554-3819
  Email: lori.davis@va.gov
• Anchal Ghera, MS — CONTACT
  Phone: (205) 899-1273
  Email: anchal.ghera@va.gov

Study Officials

• Lori Lynne Davis, MD AB — PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
  Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL

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