NCT06367738 Investigating the Persisting Effects of a Single Dose of Psilocybin on Structural Plasticity in Healthy Older Adults
| NCT ID | NCT06367738 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | Phase 1 |
| Sponsor | University of California, Berkeley |
| Condition | Aging |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 40 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-11 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-12-30 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.
What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
Phase 1 is the earliest stage of human testing — safety and dosage are the primary focus. Visits are frequent and medical supervision is intensive. You will be among the first people to receive this treatment.
This trial targets 40 participants in total. It began in 2025-11 with a primary completion date of 2026-12-30.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Participants in this study will undergo a series of non-invasive tests and activities designed to understand how a single dose of psilocybin might influence cognition and emotional well-being in healthy older adults. After providing written informed consent, eligible participants, aged between 60 and 85, will be randomly assigned to receive a dose of psilocybin ranging from a microdose to a moderate-to-high dose. Anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) will be used to assess changes in brain structure, while functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) will be used to quantify changes in functional brain activity.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Are 60-85 years of age at time of Informed Consent Form signing. Are able and willing to adhere to study requirements, including attending all study visits, preparatory and follow-up sessions, and completing all study evaluations. Are able to swallow capsules. Women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) must agree to practice an effective means of birth control throughout the duration of the study. Have normal or corrected-to-normal vision as determined by the study staff. Written informed consent obtained from and ability for subject to comply with the requirements of the study. Have an identified support person and agree to be accompanied home (or to an otherwise safe destination) by the support person, or another responsible party, following dosing. Agree to inform the investigators within 48 hours of any new or changed medical conditions during the course of their study participation. Have access to a quiet space and a computer to perform online assessments. Exclusion Criteria: Breastfeeding, have a positive pregnancy test at screening or at any point during the course of the study, or unwilling to practice birth control during participation in the study. Have a current psychiatric disorder, general medical condition, or other problem or abnormality that, in the opinion of the study clinician or PI, could compromise safety, render them unsuitable for the study, or would make them unable to comply with study activities. Have MRI contraindications (e.g., metal implants, pacemakers, claustrophobia etc.) as determined by an MRI contraindications questionnaire. Have a history of recent, clinically significant suicidal ideation or behavior. Have a history of a psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder (type I or II), or a dissociative disorder (determined by history). History of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). History of a seizure disorder in adulthood, central nervous system (CNS) metastases or current symptomatic CNS infection. History of intracerebral hemorrhage, embolic stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or history of any aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial and peripheral arterial vessels) or arteriovenous malformation. History of valvulopathy or pulmonary hypertension. Uncontrolled hypertension (Systolic BP\>139mmHG or Diastolic BP\>89mmHG) or tachycardia (average HR\>90bpm) averaged over at least two measurements. Clinically significant cardiovascular disease (e.g., history of myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure); or baseline QT/QTc\>500msec; or baseline QT/QTc 451-500msec with repeat QT/QTc \>500msec. Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (e.g., history of an episode of severe hypoglycemia or hospitalization for hyperglycemia on the current diabetes regimen). Inadequate hepatic function as determined by total bilirubin or alkaline phosphatase \>3x institutional upper limit of normal; or AST or ALT \>6x institutional upper limit of normal. However, participants with Gilbert syndrome are allowed to enroll. Inadequate renal function as determined by eGFR \< 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (based on the MDRD equation) or CrCl \< 30 mL/min (based on the C-G equation). The regular use of psychotropic medications, such as antidepressants (i.e., SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors), antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. Concomitant dosing of psilocybin with known UGT1A10 and UGT1A9 inhibitors (e.g., diclofenac and probenecid) will be avoided. \[There is no exclusion criterion based on the use of medications or substances that are inhibitors or inducers of CYP450 enzymes.\] The use of Prohibited Medications: Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs and SNRIs) Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Atypical antidepressants (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, buspar) Antipsychotics/Neuroleptics (typical and atypical) Anti-epileptics or mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, valproate) (does not include gabapentin used for non-epilepsy conditions) Efavirenz (Sustiva, in Atripla) Lorcaserin Over-the-counter supplements intended to affect mood or anxiety (e.g., 5HT-P, SAMe or St. John's Wort). Other drugs associated with the serotonin syndrome (e.g., ondansetron) used within 48 hours of study drug administration. Vasoactive drugs (e.g., sildenafil, sumatriptan, calcium channel blockers) used within 48 hours of study drug administration. Unable to agree to the following required Lifestyle Modifications: Patients will be asked to refrain from consuming alcohol, cannabinoids, prescription analgesics/stimulants/benzodiazepines, and any recreational drugs for 48 hours before, the day of, and for 48 hours after study drug administration. Participants will be advised to consume their usual amount of coffee, tea, or other caffeine-containing beverages on the morning of their Medication Visits. Recent and lifetime use of psychedelics (e.g. psilocybin, LSD, mescaline), entactogens (e.g. MDMA), or dissociative anesthetics (e.g. ketamine) above a predetermined threshold. Has been diagnosed with any disease that impairs motor function (e.g., Parkinson's disease) At high risk of falls as determined by study physician considering medical history, screening of recent symptoms and medications, and functional mobility testing.
Contact & Investigator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06367738 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 60 Years or older, up to 85 Years, studying Aging. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
What phase is the NCT06367738 trial and what does that mean for participants?
Phase 1 trials are the first stage of human testing. The primary goal is to assess safety and determine appropriate dosage levels. Participants are closely monitored. These trials typically involve a small number of volunteers.
Is NCT06367738 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06367738 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at bcspresearchsubjects@berkeley.edu for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT06367738 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Berkeley, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06367738 clinical trial?
NCT06367738 is sponsored by University of California, Berkeley. The trial plans to enroll 40 participants.