MDMA-assisted Therapy for Fibromyalgia (NCT06066853) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingEarly Phase 1
MDMA-assisted Therapy for Fibromyalgia
United States20 participantsStarted 2026-07-01
Plain-language summary
Fibromyalgia is a debilitating chronic pain disorder. Based on prior research with MDMA, it can be hypothesized MDMA-assisted therapy in fibromyalgia patients may increase the range of positive emotions, interpersonal trust, and heighten the state of empathic rapport that can lead to an enhanced patient-clinician interaction and to initiate reattribution processes targeting dysfunctional thoughts towards pain. Therapeutic alliance, i.e. a positive patient-clinician relationship, is already acknowledged as an essential component for MDMA-assisted therapy. Despite its importance, the patient-clinician interaction and the neuroscience supporting patient/clinician therapeutic alliance has received almost no attention in MDMA research. The investigators will examine the potential therapeutic benefit of MDMA-assisted therapy for fibromyalgia. Additionally, this study will also target secondary objectives including the investigation of the clinical and physiological response (i.e. brain-to-brain concordance) supporting enhanced patient-clinician therapeutic alliance in fibromyalgia patients. The study includes two Experimental Sessions of therapy with MDMA combined with neuroimaging, along integrative therapy, baseline neuroimaging, and a 3 month follow up.
Who can participate
Age range
21 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Are at least 21 years to 65 years of age inclusive, at the time of signing the informed consent.
* Have a clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia and meet the Wolfe et al 2011 research criteria for fibromyalgia for at least one year.
* Typical fibromyalgia pain intensity of 4/10 or greater.
* Fluent in speaking and reading English.
* Able to swallow pills.
* Agree to have some study visits audiovisually recorded, including Experimental Sessions/ neuroimaging sessions.
* Able to provide a contact (relative, spouse, close friend, or other support person) who is willing and able to be reached by the investigators in the event of the participant becoming unwell or unreachable.
* Able to identify appropriate support person(s) to stay with the participant on the evenings of the Experimental Sessions
* Have a body weight of at least 45 kilograms (kg). Participants with a body weight of 45 to 48 kg must also have a body mass index (BMI) within the range of 18 to 30 kg/m2
* Participants assigned female sex at birth must not be pregnant or become pregnant throughout participation in the study
* Capable of giving signed informed consent
* Are on stable doses of allowable medication for 30 days prior to entering the study and agree not to change medications or dosages during the trial, except for medications falling under the tapering scheduling
Exclusion Criteria:
* Presence of any medical or psychiatric illness that is judged to interfere with the study (ex. Fibromy…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in self-reported pain severity and pain interference (Brief Pain Inventory)
Timeframe: BPI will be assessed at five timepoints (Visits 1, 7, 10, 12, and 13) throughout the study, spanning approximately 3 months.