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Currently Recruiting
Swinburne University: Brain response to transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) in healthy people and in those with major depressive disorder
Volunteers with Major Depressive Disorder ages between 18 and 75 years are required for a research study being conducted at Swinburne University in Hawthorn. This is a study looking at the neural activations elicited by transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS).
Using a gentle electrical stimulus applied to nerve distributions in the ear, tVNS is a safe and non-invasive means of stimulating neural pathways in the brain. You will be asked to fill out a series of initial interviews and questionnaires over the phone to determine if you meet the criteria for the study. During the study you will be connected to testing neuroimaging equipment used to measure brain function while we use a low level of electrical stimulation to activate nerves in your ear.
The session will take approximately 2 hours and you will be reimbursed $150 for your participation.
A Quadruple Masked, Dose-Finding Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Intranasal BPL-003 in Patients With Treatment Resistant Depression
We’re looking to see whether the trial medication BPL-003 (5-MeO-DMT) is able to have an effect alongside psychological support with those who have treatment resistant depression.
You would receive a single intranasal administration of either a low, medium or high dose of BPL-003, with 8 weeks of follow up assessments. Psychological support will be given before, during and after dosing.
We’re inviting individuals who currently:
- Have treatment resistant depression
- Between the ages of 18 to 75 years
- Are willing to come off anti-depressants
- No history of Bipolar, Psychotic Disorders
- No alcohol and substance use within the last 12 months
Please note that other eligibility criteria apply.
Duration of the study is 16 weeks. This includes:
- Screening period of six weeks
- 3x Psychedelic Preparation Visits performed over approximately two weeks
- Dosing on day one
- 3x Psychedelic Integration visits performed over approximately two weeks
- Follow up period around six weeks
There is also an open label study for those who have participated in the core study that wish to continue and receive a high dose of the therapeutic medication alongside psychological support.
Interested to participate in a clinical trial?
Please contact the Research Team with your preferred method.