Ecstasy drug used to probe social brain in autism

NCT ID NCT07555132

Not yet recruiting Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study gives 40 adults—half with autism, half without—a single dose of MDMA (the active ingredient in ecstasy) or a placebo to see how it changes oxytocin levels in the blood. Oxytocin is often called the 'love hormone' and helps with social bonding. The goal is not to treat autism but to understand whether the oxytocin system works differently in autistic individuals. Participants will be monitored for several hours after taking the drug.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could reveal why social bonding feels different for some people with autism, pointing toward new ways to support social connection.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small study (40 people) using a single dose of MDMA—not a treatment. It only measures short-term chemical changes, so it may not lead to any practical therapy.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism spectrum disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

University Hospital Basel, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Basel, 4031, Switzerland

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