Could a synthetic DMT analog ease severe anxiety? small trial begins
NCT ID NCT06051721
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This phase 2a trial tests CYB004, a synthetic version of the psychedelic DMT, combined with talk therapy in 36 adults with moderate-to-severe generalized anxiety disorder. The study aims to see if the drug is safe, tolerable, and can reduce anxiety symptoms compared to an active control. Participants must be on a stable dose of anxiety medication and have not responded well enough to prior treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- CYB004 (a synthetic deuterated DMT analog) plus psychotherapy
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a new, fast-acting treatment option for generalized anxiety disorder that combines a psychedelic-like drug with talk therapy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase proof-of-concept trial with only 36 participants. The drug may not prove more effective than existing treatments, and psychedelic-like side effects could be challenging for some.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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36 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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May 2024
- Finished
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Aug 2026
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18 to 65 years, inclusive, at Screening. * Has a diagnosis of GAD (as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition \[DSM-V\] of moderate to severe degree), established through a full psychiatric work up. * Has a BMI of 18 to 40.0 kg/m2, inclusive at Screening. * Has been on a stable dose of antidepressant/anxiolytic medication (no more than 50% change) in the last month prior to Screening and has had an inadequate response, as judged by the Investigator. * Is willing to refrain from taking any benzodiazepines for 5 days or buspirone (or other 5-HT1A agonist) during the 24 hours preceding each dosing visit. * Provision of giving written informed consent, which includes compliance with the requirements and restrictions listed in the consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Has a primary DSM-5 psychiatric diagnosis other than GAD within the past 6 months established through a full psychiatric work-up. A secondary diagnosis of MDD may be permissible. * Current or previously diagnosed schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizotypal disorder, schizophreniform disorder, brief psychotic disorder or borderline personality disorder; current or previous history of psychosis or bipolar disorder. * Currently taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, tricyclic antidepressant, trazadone, mirtazapine, or a mood stabilizer (including lithium) or has taken any of these medications in the last 3 weeks of trial participation. * Currently taking antipsychotic medication which are 5-HT2 antagonists or has taken such medication in the last 3 weeks of trial participation. * Clinically significant risk of suicidality, as determined through a comprehensive psychiatric interview. * Clinically relevant history of abnormal physical health interfering with the study as determined by medical history and physical examinations obtained during Screening as judged by the Investigator (including \[but not limited to\], neurological, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, hepatic, or renal disorder). * Currently receiving treatment for hypertension or arrhythmia. * Clinically relevant abnormal laboratory results. * History or clinical evidence of any disease and/or existence of any surgical or medical condition which might interfere with the absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion of the study drug. * Any other concomitant disease or condition that could interfere with, or for which the treatment might interfere with the conduct of the trial, or that would, in the opinion of the Investigator, pose an unacceptable risk to the participant in this trial. * Has a presence or relevant history of any organic brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, seizure, intracranial hypertension, intracranial bleed and aneurysmal disease, brain tumor or other medical conditions associated with seizures or convulsions). * Consumes excessive amounts of caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea, caffeinated sodas) or (methyl) xanthines (e.g., chocolate) based on the Investigator's determination and discretion. * Positive urine test for drugs of abuse or alcohol breath test at Screening or Day 1. A positive test for cannabinoids (e.g. marijuana) at Screening may not exclude a participant if after discussion with and evaluation by the Investigator, the participant agrees not to use any marijuana or other cannabinoid products during the study, and if allowed to participate, the participant must test negative for cannabinoids on Day 1 and Day 22. * Has participated in a clinical trial and has received a medication or a new chemical entity within 3 months prior to dosing of current study medication. * Known sensitivity to DMT or ayahuasca. * Is taking a prescription medicine (except for stable chronic dose of antidepressant/anxiolytic medication(s), sedatives/hypnotics, and hormonal contraceptives or hormonal replacement medications, if applicable), certain herbal supplements (to be reviewed by the Investigator), or over-the-counter (OTC) medicine during the 28 days before dosing. * Is taking or has taken over the counter (OTC) doses of 5-hydroxytryptophan or St John's Wort within 28 days prior to receiving the study drug. * Donation of blood or plasma of \>400 mL within 1 month prior to first dosing until 4 weeks after final dosing. * For participants capable of producing sperm: Is not willing to abstain from sperm donation between first dosing and 3 months after final dosing. * For participants capable: Is pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to conceive. * Not fluent in the English language. * Other eligibility considerations (i.e., participant personal circumstances, behavior, and/or any current problem that might interfere with participation or that is incompatible with establishment of rapport or safe exposure to the study drug), as judged by the Investigator.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Cedar Clinical Research
Murray, Utah, 84107, United States
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CenExel ACMR
Atlanta, Georgia, 30331, United States
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Innovative Clinical Research, Inc.
Miami Lakes, Florida, 33016, United States
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Research Centers of America
Hollywood, Florida, 33024, United States
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Uptown Research Institute
Chicago, Illinois, 60640, United States
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iResearch Atlanta
Decatur, Georgia, 30330, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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