๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-08-18

Prednisone in Adults With an Immune-Mediated Subtype of Autism Spectrum Disorder (NCT06934915)

Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Groups Trial of Prednisone in Adults With an Immune-Mediated Subtype of Autism Spectrum Disorder

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Early Phase1 ๐Ÿ’Š Investigational Drug / Biologic Sponsor: Christopher John McDougle, M.D.

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn how prednisone affects adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It will also learn about the safety of prednisone. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How does prednisone affect the core features and associated target symptoms of ASD in adults with an immune-mediated subtype of ASD? * Is prednisone safe for autistic adults without causing too many side effects? * Does this study warrant larger trials studying anti-inflammatory drugs in this subject population? Researchers will compare the drug prednisone to a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) to see how prednisone affects autistic adult males. Participants will: * Visit the clinic 2 times for a screening and baseline visit. * Take prednisone or a placebo every day for 16 weeks. * Visit the clinic 2 times for checkups, tests, questionnaires, and dose changes, and 1 time for a follow-up visit 4 weeks after stopping the study drug. * Provide blood and urine samples for testing up to 4 times. * Complete 8 remote calls every 1-2 weeks for checkups and dose changes. * Keep a diary of the dose and times they take the study drug every day and any symptoms or side effects they experience.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: MGH Lurie Center for Autism โ€” Lexington, Massachusetts

Age range: 18 Years to 50 Years

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • MGH Lurie Center for Autism โ€” Lexington, Massachusetts

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (781) 860-1711

Email: MGHPREDICT-ASD@mgb.org

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—