Could a Stress-Blocking drug help veterans with PTSD?
NCT ID NCT07187011
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This Phase 2a trial will test whether PT150, a drug that blocks a stress-related receptor, can safely reduce PTSD symptoms in 120 US veterans. Participants will receive either PT150 or a placebo for several weeks, and researchers will track changes in PTSD severity and side effects. The goal is to see if PT150 is promising enough for larger studies.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- PT150 (a drug that blocks glucocorticoid receptors)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a new treatment option for PTSD in veterans, potentially easing symptoms like intrusive thoughts and hyperarousal.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early Phase 2a trial with only 120 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drug may cause side effects or fail to outperform placebo.
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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About 120 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Apr 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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May 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a US federal agency other than the NIH.
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: * Provide signed and dated informed consent form * Be a military service member or Veteran * Male or female, 18-65 years of age * Meet DSM-5 criteria for PTSD ≥ 3 months duration as determined by CAPS-5 * Normal vitals and a baseline EKG with clinically normal sinus rhythm, clinically normal conduction, normal QTc, and no clinically significant arrhythmias * Self-reported medical history and brief physical examination with no clinically significant contraindications for study participation * Blood laboratory test results for routine hematology, chemistries, liver and kidney function tests within acceptable limits * Willing to comply with all study procedures including taking oral medication, the study schedule and be available for the duration of the study Biological females, if able to conceive, must agree to use 2 forms of non-hormonal, medically acceptable contraception. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe alcohol or substance use disorders by DSM-5 criteria in past 3 months or positive urine test for substances other than cannabis * History or diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders, psychotic disorders or bipolar disorder. Current treatment with antipsychotic medication for mental health * History of suicide attempts and/or current suicidal ideation with plan or intent * Currently using psychotropic medication (except SSRI/SNRI) or other drugs or agents which might interact with study drug. Currently taking SSRI/SNRI antidepressants for less than 30 days. Benzodiazepines or sleep agents (e.g. eszopiclone; zolpidem) are excluded; exception: trazodone 25-50 mg qhs prn for sleep or prazosin for nightmares * Be pregnant or nursing * HRT dose not stable for a minimum of 3 months * Evidence of a serious, chronic medical condition that would increase the risk of an adverse outcome or history of any serious metabolic or other disease known to affect the CNS * Have evidence of untreated or unstable medical illness including cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, autoimmune, renal, hepatic, or active HIV+/AIDS infection * Serious cognitive impairment likely to interfere with ability to meaningfully participate * Past brain injury/head trauma with minor loss of consciousness and current symptoms or significant loss of consciousness * Current signs of violence or aggression * A history of adrenal insufficiency or a plasma cortisol level ≤ 5 mcg/dl at screening * Receiving non-pharmacotherapy treatments or procedures for where precautions exist for taking with PT150 and/or those that might interfere with the study * Contraindication(s) to take PT150 such as renal or hepatic impairment, congenital metabolic disorders, or hypersensitivity to study drug or similar compounds * Participation in a pharmaceutical trial or use of investigational drugs within 1 month of screening * Hearing loss that would interfere with the extinction recall measures * Any other illness, condition, or use of medications which in the opinion of the PI and/or study investigator would preclude safe and/or successful completion of the study
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Jennifer Moreno Department of VA Medical Center
San Diego, California, 92161, United States
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Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
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