Psilocybin for Aging

(LONG-LIFE Trial)

BS
Overseen ByBHIC Study Team
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Phase 1
Sponsor: Charles Raison
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The LONG-LIFE study is a randomized Phase I, dose-ranging trial designed to evaluate whether psilocybin impacts aging-related biomarkers, cognitive function, and purpose/meaning in life in medically stable older adults.

Up to 50 participants will be enrolled aged 60-80 who will be randomized with equal allocation to one of four intervention groups: (1) receipt of one 25 mg dose of psilocybin; (2) receipt of two 25 mg doses of psilocybin separated by four weeks; (3) receipt of three 25 mg doses, with each dose separated by four weeks; or (4) wait-list comparator condition that does not receive psilocybin. Biomarkers of aging, cognitive performance, and behavioral measures will be assessed at baseline and longitudinally over a 12-month follow-up period. The primary endpoint occurs at the Week 16 visit. Participants randomized to the wait-list condition will be offered a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin following conclusion of the 12-month follow-up period.

Findings from this Phase I study will inform dose selection for a Phase II study should results indicate a potential impact of psilocybin on relevant study endpoints.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 60-80 who are medically healthy, can speak English, and have no major medical or psychiatric conditions. Participants must be able to stop certain medications if needed and have a normal heart test (ECG).

Inclusion Criteria

English speaking and able to provide informed consent and complete study procedures
Medically healthy, as determined by the screening physician, with no significant medical conditions that would interfere with participation or affect the safety of the subject

Exclusion Criteria

Unwilling or unable to discontinue medications that may interfere with study participation, as determined by the investigator
Abnormal ECG at screening that may increase risk during participation, including prolonged QTc, arrhythmias, or other clinically significant findings as determined by the study physician
History or presence of any psychiatric or medical condition that could pose a safety risk, interfere with participation, or confound study results, as judged by the investigator

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive psilocybin doses with therapeutic support, varying by group: one, two, or three doses separated by four weeks

8-12 weeks
3-4 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments of aging biomarkers and cognitive performance

12 months
Longitudinal assessments

Wait-list Comparator Follow-up

Participants in the wait-list group receive a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin with therapeutic support after the 12-month follow-up

Post-study

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Psilocybin

Trial Overview

The study tests different doses of psilocybin (one, two, or three doses) versus no treatment in older adults to see how it affects aging markers, thinking skills, and sense of purpose over one year. Groups are chosen at random.

How Is the Trial Designed?

4

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Two 25mg Doses of PsilocybinExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Three 25mg Doses of PsilocybinExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group III: One 25mg Dose of PsilocybinExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group IV: Wait-list ComparatorActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Charles Raison

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1
Recruited
140+

Baylor College of Medicine

Collaborator

Trials
1,044
Recruited
6,031,000+

Steadman Philippon Research Institute

Collaborator

Trials
11
Recruited
700+

Emory University

Collaborator

Trials
1,735
Recruited
2,605,000+

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Collaborator

Trials
1,249
Recruited
3,255,000+

Usona Institute

Collaborator

Trials
18
Recruited
1,100+