Clinical Research Directory

Intranasal Insulin for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and Young Adults Aged 4 to 21 Years

This observational study evaluates the real-world use of intranasal insulin in children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) utilizing the ViaNase™ device developed by Kurve Therapeutics. Intranasal insulin represents an off label use of an FDA approved medication and is prescribed by participants' treating healthcare providers as part of routine clinical care. Insulin is a hormone involved in cerebral energy metabolism and may play a role in cognitive processes such as learning, memory, and behavior. Emerging research suggests that intranasal delivery using specialized delivery systems such as ViaNase™ may facilitate transport along olfactory and trigeminal pathways, potentially allowing insulin to reach central nervous system targets. This delivery approach has been associated in early studies with changes in social communication and functional outcomes in individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions. This study will follow approximately 12 participants between the ages of 4 and 21 years who are already receiving, or planning to receive, intranasal insulin as part of their standard clinical care using the ViaNase™ device. This is a non-interventional observational study; no treatment is assigned or provided by the study team. Participants will be monitored over an approximate 6-month period for changes in autism-related symptoms, including social interaction, communication, repetitive behaviors, and overall functional development. In addition, safety data will be collected, including tolerability and any reported adverse events. The primary objective of this study is to generate real-world evidence to better characterize the safety profile and potential functional effects of intranasal insulin delivered via ViaNase™ in individuals with ASD, and to inform the design of future controlled clinical investigations.

APP-based Emotion Recognition Training Improve ASD Social Function

The main aim of the study is to investigate whether APP-based emotional recognition training improve social function in autistic children.

PRT for Adolescents With High Functioning Autism

The purpose of this study is to identify improvement in behavioral and social function and changes in the brain following Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) for Adolescents in highly verbal adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The Supplementation Therapy in Autism and Response to Treatment Study

In addition to the "core" symptoms of ASD (i.e., impaired communication, impaired reciprocal social interaction and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviors or interests), it is estimated that up to 70% of autistic people present at least one comorbid psychiatric disorder, leading to a deterioration in quality of life, a greater demand for support and worse prognosis and outcome. Anxiety and depressive symptoms would seem to be more present in individuals with Level 1 ASD, requiring their prioritisation against core symptoms. To date, the first-line treatment for autistic patients with comorbid depressive and/or anxiety symptoms is still debated and it is not always clear whether they may or may not benefit from psychotherapeutic and conventional psychopharmacological approaches. As such, growing evidence strengthens the therapeutic potential of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system modulation and of eCB-like compounds. The aim of this study is to provide a response to an unmet clinical need in this framework of psychic vulnerability by initiating oral therapy with palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a nutraceutical/food supplement with proven anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Indeed, many conditions of psychological distress are thought to be underpinned by systemic inflammatory and/or neuroinflammatory processes, on which PEA has shown remarkable efficacy, including through modulation of the immune response and the interaction between the endocannabinoid system and the gut-microbiota-brain axis. The trial we are proposing is a 12-week open-label phase 2 study involving the daily intake of PEA 600 mg, at a dosage of 1 tablet/day. This study will be conducted at the Unit of Psychiatry of Santa Maria della Misericordia Udine University Hospital. Through this study, we wish to evaluate: the ability of PEA to alleviate symptoms of psychic distress (i.e., anxiety and/or depression) in Level 1 autistic adults; the safety and tolerability of sustained intake of PEA in Level 1 autistic adults; and the biological basis of PEA functioning. The study involves taking PEA orally once daily (600 mg daily) at the same time as a meal during the initial 12-week phase. Upon completion of the initial phase, subjects will be offered to enter an extension phase of the trial of an additional 24 weeks to assess treatment stability, with the possibility of titration of PEA to 1200 mg daily based on observed clinical compensation. Each participant will be on PEA treatment for up to 36 weeks. During the course of the study, periodic clinical re-evaluations will be conducted at our Day-Hospital setting. The trial will unfold through one screening visit, one baseline visit, and two follow-up visits (FUP, 4 weeks and 12 weeks apart). The patient will be administered standardized interviews by a qualified investigating physician; clinical objective examination, collection of blood and urine samples for standard hematochemical investigations, collection of blood and stool samples for analysis of some biological markers of interest, monitoring of adherence to therapy intake, side effects, and adverse effects will also be performed during the follow-up visits. The nutraceutical PEA will be dispensed by the clinical investigators at each follow-up visit.