Cognitive and Neural Effects of ARA290

• Status: Completed
• Trial end date: 2014-02-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

Studies on the hormone Erythropoietin (EPO) have indicated that EPO may have antidepressant properties. However, EPO may cause serious side-effects with repeated administration (thrombosis), which limits its usefulness as an antidepressant. ARA290 is a peptide that does not have the effects of EPO on blood cells but may still have its effect on brain function. In an attempt to replicate previous findings with (a single dose of) EPO in healthy volunteers, we study the effects of ARA290 on the cognitive and neural processing of emotions in healthy volunteers. We hypothesize that a single dose of ARA290 will lead to a positive shift in information processing compared to placebo, 7 days post-administration.

• Phase: Phase 1/Phase 2
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Details

• Lead Sponsor: Leiden University Medical Center

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Dutch-speaking

• Age 18-35

• Right-handedness

• BMI 18 to 33 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Major physical illness, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, pituitary disease, or any other serious medical condition.

• Any current or past psychiatric disorder, including subclinical claustrophobia if severe enough to cause anxiety during scanning.

• Using medication likely to interfere with the study, including OTC (over the counter) medication (e.g., St John's Wort) and benzodiazepines.

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Use of any nicotine products or soft drugs (hash, marihuana) in the three months prior to the study

• Any hard drug use (including XTC) (lifetime)

• Alcohol use of more than 14 units per week or more than 4 units on any day during the week prior to the study or during the study period.