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

NCT ID NCT06866275

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

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

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

    RECRUITING

    Orange, California, 92868, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Kennedy Krieger Institute

    RECRUITING

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Phoenix, Arizona, 85006, United States

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••