Old drug, new hope? suramin trial targets autism social symptoms

NCT ID NCT06866275

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Children's Hospital of Orange County Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether suramin (KZ101) can improve social skills in 45 boys aged 5–14 with autism. Participants receive either suramin or a placebo by IV, then switch after a period. The main goal is to see changes in social behavior using a standard test. The study builds on earlier promising results in mice and a small human trial.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Suramin (KZ101)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new treatment to ease social and communication challenges in children with autism.
What could go wrong: This is an early phase 2 trial with only 45 boys, so results may not apply to everyone. Suramin can cause side effects, and previous studies were small.

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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 (ASD

Contacts and locations

Locations

Children's Hospital Orange County, Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center
RECRUITING

Orange, California, 92868, United States
Kennedy Krieger Institute
RECRUITING

Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, United States

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