RecruitingEARLY_PHASE1INTERVENTIONAL

Losartan and Emotional Learning

This study is exploring how a common blood pressure medicine called Losartan might influence the way our brains handle emotions. We know that Losartan affects parts of the brain linked to anxiety and depression. Previous research suggests it could help reduce fear and stress. This early-stage study will give 60 healthy volunteers a single dose of Losartan or a dummy pill (placebo). Researchers will then see how this affects their emotional processing. The aim is to better understand the brain's emotional systems and identify if Losartan could potentially offer new avenues for treating emotional difficulties, without making any medical recommendations at this stage.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

EARLY_PHASE1

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

Start

14 Aug 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2025

Emotional Processing

What is this study about?

This study is looking into whether a medicine called Losartan, which is usually used to treat high blood pressure, also affects how our brains process emotions. We know that the system Losartan works on in the body, called the renin-angiotensin system, isn't just about blood pressure; it also has an impact on parts of our brain involved in feelings like anxiety and sadness.

Scientists have observed that medicines like Losartan might help with certain brain functions, often in ways that are the opposite of what's seen in emotional problems. For example, some studies suggest they could help people overcome fear more easily or reduce strong stress reactions. Other research hints that these types of medicines might even help prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or improve how well antidepressants work for some people.

By giving a single dose of Losartan or a dummy pill to healthy volunteers, this study aims to learn more about exactly how this medicine affects emotional processing. Understanding these effects could open doors to new ways of thinking about and potentially helping people with emotional conditions, though it's important to remember this is early research and not a recommendation for treatment.

Key takeaways

This study explores a known blood pressure medicine (Losartan) in a new way.
It aims to understand how Losartan affects emotional processing in healthy people.
It's an early-stage study, not a treatment for emotional conditions.
Participants will receive either Losartan or a placebo (dummy pill).
The goal is to learn more about the brain's emotional systems.
It could help identify potential new ways to aid people with emotional difficulties in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a healthy volunteer between 18 and 50 years old. You should be able to read and speak English well enough to understand what's involved and fill out questionnaires. It's important that you don't smoke, or only smoke very lightly (up to 5 cigarettes a day).

There are several reasons why you might not be able to join. For instance, if you've had certain mental health conditions in the past, or if serious mental illness runs in your close family. You also can't be taking any psychiatric medicines or blood pressure medicines currently. We can't include people with very low blood pressure, kidney problems, specific heart conditions, or a history of swelling problems (angioedema).

Additionally, conditions like epilepsy, other brain disorders (such as autism or ADHD), serious long-term illnesses affecting organs like your liver, heart, or lungs, or significant uncorrected hearing loss would prevent you from taking part. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you also wouldn't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 50 years old?
Can you understand and speak English well?
Do you smoke less than 5 cigarettes a day, or not at all?
Are you generally healthy and not currently taking psychiatric or blood pressure medicines?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you not have conditions like epilepsy, very low blood pressure, or significant kidney/heart issues?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is designed to be a single visit. If you join, you would receive either a single dose of the study medicine, Losartan, or a dummy pill (placebo). Neither you nor the study team will know which you are receiving – this is called 'double-blind'. During the visit, you will complete various tasks and questionnaires designed to measure emotional processing. We don't have details on the exact duration of the visit or any follow-up, but generally, single-dose studies involve monitoring for several hours after taking the medication. More specific details would be provided if you were to consider joining.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is contributing to scientific knowledge about how the brain works and potentially helping new treatments for emotional difficulties be developed. Since this is an early-stage study, the direct personal benefit is not guaranteed. As with any medicine, there are potential risks and side effects, even with a single dose. These would be fully explained to you before you agree to take part, and your safety will be monitored throughout. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Losartan normally used for?

Losartan is typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure.

Will I know if I'm getting Losartan or the dummy pill?

No, this is a 'double-blind' study, meaning neither you nor the research team will know what you receive until after the study is complete.

How long will my participation last?

This study involves a single visit, though the exact duration of that visit isn't specified here.

Is this a new medicine?

No, Losartan is an existing medicine, but this study is looking at a new potential use beyond blood pressure.

Will this study cure emotional problems?

No, this is a very early-stage study to understand basic brain function, not a treatment for emotional problems.

How to find out more

Andrea Reinecke, PhD

andrea.reinecke@psych.ox.ac.uk +44 01865 618320 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.