RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Investigating the Neuropsychological Effects of 5-HT2a Antagonism

This research is investigating an important brain chemical called serotonin, which plays a role in mood, sleep, and appetite. Serotonin works by fitting into specific 'locks' on brain cells. This study focuses on one particular 'lock' called the serotonin 2a receptor. To understand it better, researchers are using a drug called pimavanserin, which specifically targets this receptor. By doing this, they hope to learn how it influences things like memory, how we handle emotions, and how we make choices. The study compares the effects of pimavanserin with a placebo (a dummy treatment). The ultimate goal is to gather knowledge that could help create new and better treatments for depression in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

Start

10 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2026

Healthy

What is this study about?

Serotonin is a very important chemical in our brains. Think of it like a messenger that helps control many things, including our mood, how well we sleep, and our appetite. Many common antidepressant medicines work by adjusting how serotonin acts in the brain to help people feel better. On the surface of our brain cells, there are places called 'receptors' – you can imagine them like tiny locks. Serotonin acts like a 'key' that fits into these locks. When serotonin connects with a receptor, it sends a signal that helps the brain control various functions, such as our emotions and how we behave. There are different types of these serotonin 'locks,' and each one affects different parts of the brain.

This study specifically looks at one type of serotonin 'lock' called the serotonin 2a receptor. Researchers are using a medicine called pimavanserin, which is known to have a very specific effect on this particular receptor. Pimavanserin is already used in the United States to treat patients with Parkinson's disease, but in this study, it's being used as a tool to help scientists learn more about how the serotonin 2a receptor works in healthy people.

The main goal is to understand how this specific receptor influences important brain functions like memory, how we interpret and react to emotional information, and how we make decisions. By comparing the effects of pimavanserin with a placebo (a treatment that looks the same but has no active ingredient), the researchers hope to get a clearer picture of this receptor's role. This knowledge is crucial because it could help doctors and scientists develop new and more effective treatments for conditions like depression in the future.

Key takeaways

This study helps us understand how a specific brain chemical, serotonin, works.
Researchers are using a drug called pimavanserin to study one type of serotonin receptor.
The study focuses on how this affects memory, emotions, and decision-making.
It could lead to new ways to treat depression in the future.
Participants will receive either pimavanserin or a dummy pill (placebo).

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy volunteers between 18 and 45 years old. You should have good eyesight and hearing, and your Body Mass Index (BMI) should be within a healthy range (between 18 and 35). It's important that you understand English well enough to follow instructions.

There are several reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are currently receiving or seeking treatment for any mental health condition, or if you have a history of serious mental health issues like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, you won't be able to participate. You also can't take part if you regularly drink more than 21 units of alcohol a week, have used recreational drugs in the last three months, or have had a head injury causing concussion recently.

Other reasons for not being able to join include if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you have a history of heart problems, especially certain heart rhythm issues, or if you are taking medications that could interfere with the study drug or your heart, you also won't be eligible. The researchers will check all these details during a screening process to make sure it's safe for you to take part.

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 45 years old?
Do you feel generally healthy with no current or past serious mental health conditions?
Do you generally have good vision and hearing?
Are you able to speak and understand English well enough for instructions?
Are you able to avoid alcohol the day before study visits?
Are you not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will first go through a screening process to ensure you meet all the requirements and that it's safe for you. This will likely involve some health checks and questions about your medical history. Once confirmed, you will visit the research clinic on several occasions.

During these visits, you will receive either a single dose of pimavanserin (10mg) or a placebo (a dummy pill with no active ingredient). You won't know which one you're receiving, and neither will the researchers, to keep the results unbiased. Throughout the study, you will complete various tasks and tests designed to assess your memory, how you process emotional information, and your decision-making abilities. These will help the researchers understand the effects of the study medication.

Before each research visit, you will need to avoid alcohol the day before. The total duration of your involvement in the study will be explained to you in detail during the consent process.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research always has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of taking part is contributing to scientific knowledge that could lead to new treatments for depression in the future. You will also receive careful medical monitoring during your involvement. Potential risks may include side effects from the study medication, pimavanserin, although it's used in patients with Parkinson's disease. These could include things like nausea, dizziness, or changes in heart rhythm, which will be monitored closely. However, it's possible you will experience no side effects at all, especially if you receive the placebo. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care outside of the study.

Locations (1)

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

Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is serotonin and why is it important?

Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps control mood, sleep, and appetite. It acts like a key, fitting into 'locks' on brain cells to send signals that help regulate these important functions.

What is pimavanserin?

Pimavanserin is a medication that specifically targets one type of serotonin 'lock' in the brain. In this study, it's used to help researchers understand more about how this 'lock' works.

What is a placebo?

A placebo is a 'dummy' treatment that looks exactly like the study medication but contains no active ingredients. It's used in studies to compare the effects of the real medicine.

Will I know if I'm getting pimavanserin or the placebo?

No, neither you nor the researchers will know whether you are receiving pimavanserin or the placebo. This is standard practice in research to ensure the results are fair and unbiased.

Why are healthy people being asked to take part?

By studying healthy individuals, researchers can understand the basic effects of pimavanserin on brain functions like memory and emotions without other medical conditions complicating the results. This knowledge is a first step towards developing new treatments for conditions like depression.

How to find out more

Susannah Murphy, PhD

susannah.murphy@psych.ox.ac.uk +441865618313 Official trial record

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