NCT06471959

Psychedelic-assisted Group Program for First Responders

Assessing the Feasibility of a Custom Psychedelic-assisted Group Program on Mental and Physical Health in First Responders

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: Phase 1 / Phase 2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 32 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Empower Research Inc · Industry
• Sex: All
• Age: 19 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study is a two-group feasibility study of oral psilocybin combined with a 12-week group-based program, customized for firefighters. Trained facilitators will help create a trauma-informed space for the group (n = 6-8) to thrive and promote cognitive resilience. The topics covered throughout the 12 weeks include breath-work, mindfulness, self-compassion, embodiment, and Internal Family Systems work. Group 1 (control): 12-week group-based program, with a breathwork day at week 10 Group 2 (intervention): 12-week group-based program, with a 10mg dose of psilocybin (PEX010) at Week 10 Assessment timepoints: * Baseline * Mid-program (Week 6) * End of program (Week 12) * 6-month follow up

Detailed description

All participants will undergo a 12-week, group-based program (one session per week, for 12 weeks). The first group session, as well as the Week 10 session will occur in-person. The remainder of the sessions will occur remotely. Each week, trained facilitators will help create a trauma-informed safe space for the group to thrive and promote cognitive resilience. The topics covered throughout the 12-week program include breath-work, mindfulness, self-compassion, embodiment, and Internal Family Systems work. During Week 10, participants will be provided with either psilocybin (active group) or complete a breathwork day (control group). For participants randomized to the active group, they will receive 10mg of psilocybin on Week 10. A clinician certified and trained in the therapeutic use of psilocybin will be on site for participants in the psilocybin group. During the dosing session, the clinicians will respond to whatever needs arise. This may include escorting them to the bathroom, giving them a drink of water. At least two staff (one facilitator and one clinician) will be on site during dosing days. The dose will be administered in clear capsules with approximately 500ml of water. Aside from the dose provided, the weekly session will continue as usual, with a focus on breath-work, embodiment, and gentle movement on dosing days. Psilocybin in the study comes in the form of the study drug, PYEX. PYEX is a drug substance which is a partially purified fraction of the extract of Psilocybe cubensis mushroom fruiting bodies. It is a mixture of indole alkaloids, other mushroom fruiting body components and stabilization excipients. The major indole alkaloids present include psilocybin and psilocin (dephosphorylated psilocybin). PEX010 is a capsule for oral administration and is manufactured with PYEX (12.5-14.0% psilocybin), excipients, and HPMC (hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose) capsules.

Conditions

• Psilocybin
• Psychotherapy, Group

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Psilocybin	Psilocybin in the study comes in the form of the study drug, PYEX. PYEX is a drug substance which is a partially purified fraction of the extract of Psilocybe cubensis mushroom fruiting bodies. It is a mixture of indole alkaloids, other mushroom fruiting body components and stabilization excipients. The major indole alkaloids present include psilocybin and psilocin (dephosphorylated psilocybin). PEX010 is a capsule for oral administration and is manufactured with PYEX (12.5-14.0% psilocybin), excipients, and HPMC (hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose) capsules.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-01-01
• Primary completion: 2025-07-01
• Completion: 2025-09-01
• First posted: 2024-06-24
• Last updated: 2024-06-24

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Canada