Assessing the Feasibility of a Custom Psychedelic-assisted Group Program on Mental and Physical Health in First Responders
Psychedelic-assisted Group Program for First Responders
Sponsors
Lead Sponsor
Collaborators
Source
Empower Research Inc
Oversight Info
Has Dmc
Yes
Is Us Export
No
Is Fda Regulated Drug
No
Is Fda Regulated Device
No
Brief 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.
Overall Status
Recruiting
Start Date
2025-01-01
Completion Date
2025-09-01
Primary Completion Date
2025-07-01
Phase
Phase 1/Phase 2
Study Type
Interventional
Primary Outcome
Measure |
Time Frame |
|
Target recruitment rate |
Within 6 months |
|
Retention rate |
Study Completion (8 months) |
|
Adherence to schedule |
Through Study completion (8 months) |
Secondary Outcome
Measure |
Time Frame |
|
Scores on the GAD-7 Anxiety Scale |
Study Completion (8 months) |
Enrollment
32
Conditions
Intervention
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name
Description
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.
Arm Group Label
Active Group
Other Name
PEX010
Eligibility
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Male or female, 19 to 65 years of age
- Must be a first responder, any work status (Employed full-time or part-time,
Off-work, Retired, Volunteer)
- Fluent in English
- Able to understand the informed consent form, study procedures and willing to
participate in study
- Clinically diagnosed with a mental health condition such as:
1. Depression
2. Chronic anxiety
3. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
4. PTSD
5. Unresolved grief
6. Adjustment Disorder
7. Acute Stress Disorder
- Stable dose of medications for the last three months, with no changes anticipated
for the duration of the study
- Medical clearance by the Investigator (MD) prior to study enrollment
- Willing and able to attend two in-person sessions throughout the 12-week program, in
addition to remote sessions
- Concurrent therapy is allowed if the type and frequency of the therapy has been
stable for at least two months prior to screening and is expected to remain stable
during participation in the study.
- Agree to consume approximately the same amount of caffeine-containing beverage
(e.g., coffee, tea) that he/she consumes on a usual morning, before arriving at the
research unit on Week 10. If the participant does not routinely consume caffeinated
beverages, he/she must agree not to do so on Week 10.
- Agree that for one week before the drug sessions, he/she will refrain from taking
any nonprescription medication, nutritional supplement, or herbal supplement
(specifically SAM-e, 5-HTP, L-tryptophan, St John's Wort) except when approved by
the study Investigator. Exceptions will be evaluated by the Investigator and may
include acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and common doses of
vitamins and minerals.
- Agree to refrain from consuming alcohol within two days prior to the Week 10 visit.
- Agree not to take any "as needed" medications on the morning of the Week 10 visit.
- Agree to use of highly effective methods of contraception during the study (females)
- Normal body mass index (BMI 18.5-24.9)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Current or past history of schizophrenia, psychotic disorder (unless substance
induced or due to a medical condition), bipolar disorder, delusional disorder,
dissociative disorder, paranoid personality disorder, schizoaffective disorder,
borderline personality disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or substance
abuse, as assessed by medical history
- Presence of active psychotic symptoms
- Currently diagnosed psychotic disorder in first-degree relatives, not including
psychotic disorders secondary to an apparent medical reason, e.g. brain injury,
dementia, or lesions of the brain, as assessed by medical history.
- Diagnosis of dementia or delirium
- Risk of suicide as determined by the Investigator
- Significantly intrusive PTSD as determined by the Investigator
- Extreme emotional lability can be disruptive to the group milieu and is a relative
exclusion criterion
- Uncontrolled cardiopulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, or hypertension
- Any other clinically significant cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal,
hepatic, renal, vascular or any other major concurrent illness that, in the opinion
of the Investigator, may interfere with the interpretation of the study results or
constitute a health risk for the participant if he/she takes part in the study
- Psychoactive substance use (MDMA, psilocybin, LSD) within the previous two months.
- If female and of child-bearing potential: pregnant, suspected or planning to become
pregnant during the study
- Participation in another clinical trial (currently or within the last 30 days)
- Current use of rifamycins (rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine), anticonvulsants
(carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital), nevirapine, efavirenz, taxol,
dexamethasone); cytochrome P450 Inhibitors - including all HIV protease inhibitors,
verapamil, diltiazem, itraconazole, ketoconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin,
azithromycin, and troleandomycin; ergot alkaloids, pimozide, midazolam, triazolam,
lovastatin, simvastatin, fentanyl, warfarin, metoprolol, propranolol, buspirone,
tramadol, selegiline, sumatriptan.
- Current use of inhibitors of UGT1A9 and 1A10, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs),
Tricyclic antidepressants, aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitors (ALDHs) and alcohol
dehydrogenase inhibitors (ADHs).
Gender
All
Minimum Age
19 Years
Maximum Age
65 Years
Healthy Volunteers
No
Overall Official
Last Name |
Role |
Affiliation |
|
Reginald Peters, MD |
Principal Investigator |
University of British Columbia (Clinical Assistant Professor) |
Overall Contact
Last Name
Natasha Campbell, MSc
Phone
1-778-874-7758
natashacampbell@healthtechconnex.com
Location
Facility |
Status |
Contact |
|
Centre for Neurology Studies Surrey 6159905 British Columbia 5909050 V3V 0C6 Canada |
Recruiting |
Last Name: Sonia Brodie, CCRP Phone: 604-308-5900 Email: soniabrodie@healthtechconnex.com |
Location Countries
Country
Canada
Verification Date
2024-06-01
Lastchanged Date
N/A
Firstreceived Date
N/A
Responsible Party
Responsible Party Type
Sponsor
Has Expanded Access
No
Number Of Arms
1
Intervention Browse
Mesh Term
Psilocybin
Arm Group
Arm Group Label
Active Group
Arm Group Type
Experimental
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.
Firstreceived Results Date
N/A
Overall Contact Backup
Last Name
Jonathan Hill
Phone
1-604-897-9115
jon@empresearch.co
Firstreceived Results Disposition Date
N/A
Study Design Info
Allocation
N/A
Intervention Model
Sequential Assignment
Intervention Model Description
One week prior to the dosing session, participants will be given a list of suggested
guidelines designed to enhance the psilocybin experience. The suggestions are optional,
but compliance will be recorded. Before arriving at the research unit on the morning of
the dosing session day, they will be instructed to consume the same amount of
caffeine-containing beverage (e.g., coffee, tea) that he/she consumes on a usual morning
and to eat a light breakfast.
Participants in Group 2 (intervention) will be instructed to take ten (10) 1mg capsules
at Week 10. Participants will be advised that the capsules should not be opened, chewed,
or held in the mouth for an extended period without swallowing.
Primary Purpose
Treatment
Masking
None (Open Label)
Masking Description
All participants who pass screening and have been deemed eligible by the Investigator
will be randomized during their baseline visit on a 1:1 ratio to either Group 1 (Control)
or Group 2 (Intervention). Randomization will follow a randomization schedule which will
be maintained by a person on the research team who is not directly involved with any
assessments.
This is an open-label study, and unblinding is not applicable (all participants will be
aware of their group assignment).
Study First Submitted
December 11, 2023
Study First Submitted Qc
June 21, 2024
Study First Posted
June 24, 2024
Last Update Submitted
June 21, 2024
Last Update Submitted Qc
June 21, 2024
Last Update Posted
June 24, 2024
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this data on November 26, 2025
Conditions
Conditions usually refer to a disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury. In ClinicalTrials.gov,
conditions include any health issue worth studying, such as lifespan, quality of life, health risks, etc.
Interventions
Interventions refer to the drug, vaccine, procedure, device, or other potential treatment being studied.
Interventions can also include less intrusive possibilities such as surveys, education, and interviews.
Study Phase
Most clinical trials are designated as phase 1, 2, 3, or 4, based on the type of questions
that study is seeking to answer:
In Phase 1 (Phase I) clinical trials, researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people (20-80) for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.
In Phase 2 (Phase II) clinical trials, the study drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people (100-300) to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
In Phase 3 (Phase III) clinical trials, the study drug or treatment is given to large groups of people (1,000-3,000) to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.
In Phase 4 (Phase IV) clinical trials, post marketing studies delineate additional information including the drug's risks, benefits, and optimal use.
These phases are defined by the Food and Drug Administration in the Code of Federal Regulations.
In Phase 1 (Phase I) clinical trials, researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people (20-80) for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.
In Phase 2 (Phase II) clinical trials, the study drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people (100-300) to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
In Phase 3 (Phase III) clinical trials, the study drug or treatment is given to large groups of people (1,000-3,000) to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.
In Phase 4 (Phase IV) clinical trials, post marketing studies delineate additional information including the drug's risks, benefits, and optimal use.
These phases are defined by the Food and Drug Administration in the Code of Federal Regulations.

