RecruitingPhase 2

Propranolol for Aggression, Self-Injury, and Severe Disruptive Behavior in Adolescents and Adults With Autism

United States60 participantsStarted 2026-01-30

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if propranolol can help reduce challenging behaviors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including aggression, self-injury, and severe disruptive behaviors. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either propranolol or a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) daily for 12 weeks. After the 12 weeks, all participants will have the opportunity to receive propranolol for an additional 12 weeks.

Who can participate

Age range

12 Years – 40 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: * Age between 12-40 years. * Clinical best-estimate diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder * Occurrence of severe challenging behaviors, such as aggression, self-injury, and/or severely disruptive or destructive behavior, leading to safety concerns or serious impact of the quality of life, at least weekly over the past 2 months before screening. * Score in the ASD range on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule conducted at the time of study entry or in the past 5 years * Clinical Global Impression Severity scale (CGI-S) score of 4 or above at Baseline * Aberrant Behavior Checklist-2 Irritability/Agitation Subscale Score of 18 or above at Screening. * A resting pulse of greater than 60 and a resting blood pressure of greater than 100/60. * Participant must have a designated study partner who spends a minimum of 5 hours/week with the participant, and can, in the opinion of the investigator, provide a reliable report on the participant's behaviors, symptoms, and complete or supervise at-home safety monitoring and other assessments required during the study * Participants of childbearing potential who are sexually active must agree to practice effective contraception from time of screening through 30 days after their last dose of study drug. Effective contraception is the use of two methods of contraception: hormonal contraceptives or intrauterine device and barrier (i.e., condoms, diaphragm, or cervical cap). * Participant must be able to fully swallow s…

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

Incidence of safety concerns and side effects associated with high-dose propranolol, including changes in blood pressure, pulse, and occurrence of dysrhythmias.

Timeframe: From baseline through end of treatment phase at 12 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07091279

SponsorJeremy Veenstra-vanderweele

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-11

Contact for this trial

Suvekcha Bhattachan, MA

914-997-5587 suvekcha.bhattachan@nyspi.columbia.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Autism Spectrum Disorder trials