NDAustralia
CLINICAL TRIALS
ND Australia is bringing together the nation's leading universities, hospitals and regional clinics to facilitate clinical trials acrss the country.
Informed by evidence-based research, we aim to quickly and efficiently deliver real answers about what supports work, when these supports need to be given, and for which people they are best for.
ND Australia is an endorsed member of the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance (ACTA), a national peak body which supports quality, sponsored and investigator-initiated trials in the Australian health system.
Neurodevelopment Clinical Trials
The ND Australian coalition of universities, hospitals and clinics conducts both sponsored and investigator-led trials.
A commercially sponsored trial is funded and managed by pharmaceutical company or other organisation, but conducted by a hospital or university.
Our network faciltates recruitment for commercially sponsored clincial trials so that we can can swiftly deliver the evidence needed about the potential benefit of new therapies. An investigator-led trial is intitiated by researchers at the university, hospital or clinic, and funded by a government grant. It can also be in partnership with industry.
Here are some of the clinical trials our leading universities, hospitals and clinics are conducting. They're looking for your help! Click on the links or get in touch via the Contact Us page for more information.
Investigator-Led Trials
Clinical trial for the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in children with autism (VIC)
Researchers from the Cognitive Neuroscience Unit at Deakin University are investigating the effects of the cannabis-derived compound, CBD, on behaviour and brain activity in autism. CBD has attracted attention given its lack of psychoactive properties, favourable safety profile, and reported benefits in alleviating social anxiety and deficits. This trial aims to better understand the impact of CBD on social skills for children between 5 and 12 on the Autism Spectrum.
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This study is being conducted from Deakin University’s Melbourne Burwood Campus.
The Game Trial (NSW, VIC, WA and QLD)
Every 15 hours an Australian baby is born with cerebral palsy. Despite confidence in early intervention, 50% don’t receive intervention before their first birthday while awaiting diagnosis. We have promising data about a new brain training intervention (GAME) that harnesses a child's developing brain and improves movement. 300 infants receive either early brain training, or Standard Care alone.
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We are comparing whether or not the early brain training delivers any benefits over and above Standard Care. Babies with, or at high-risk of, cerebral palsy, will participate from 3-24 months of age.
This study involves sites from NSW, VIC, WA and QLD.
Improving outcomes in mental health. A longitudinal clinical study in children and their families (QLD)
This project aims to increase knowledge on factors influencing the outcome of childhood and adolescent mental disorders and to improve outcomes by investigating treatment strategies for families in which both parents and children suffer from mental health symptoms.
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This study is being run by the Child Health Research Centre at The University of Queensland.
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Clinical trial for the use of Oxytocin (NSW)
The University of Sydney's CAN Research team is running multiple trials looking at the effectiveness of a new nasal spray in addressing social and behavioural challenges in children with Autism. Oxytocin, a naturally occurring hormone in the brain (also known as the love hormone). They are currently recruiting suitable candidates for these trials.
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This research is being run at the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre.
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TMS intervention for improving outcomes for people with Autism (NSW, VIC, SA, WA and QLD)
Deakin University is leading a national clinical trial evaluating the potential benefits for TMS to improve outcomes for people on the autism spectrum. TMS has recently been approved as an treatment for depression as a recognized therapy. This trial will determine whether TMS also has potential to benefit young adults on the Autism Spectrum.
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This study involves sites from NSW, VIC, SA, WA and QLD.
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Data-driven diagnoses and treatments for neurodevelopment disorders (VIC)
Researchers at Monash University are engaged in a range of projects directly addressing the causes and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Current projects include, applying DNA sequencing technology to identify novel risk genes for ASD. Cognitive training to improve memory. As well as applying brain imaging technologies to understand the wiring of the brain in both health and disorder. Brain imaging of individuals with ASD offers the hope of finding neurological markers that may aid diagnosis.
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This study is being run by Monash University.
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Telethon Kids Institute CliniKids (WA)
CliniKids is a not-for-profit clinic providing clinical services to children with early developmental delay and/or autism, and their families. The clinic combines its services with cutting-edge research. Find out more about its current research projects below.
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Pro-active study: Clinical trial of probiotic supplementation to support gut functioning in children on the autism spectrum.
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These studies are being conducted in WA.
Sponsored Trials
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Investigating potential treatment for irritability associated with ASD in adolescents aged 13 to 17 (NSW, VIC and QLD)
Research has shown the gut bacteria of autistic children is different to non-autistic children. It is possible that certain bacteria derived metabolites produced in the gut may reach the brain resulting in some characteristics of autism.
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The University of Sydney's Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (CAN Research) is one of several sites researching an experimental treatment, AB-2004, which is designed to soak up these metabolites in the gut to reduce their entry into the brain via the blood stream. We hope this will help improve irritability and anxiety in autistic adolescents. Phase IIb of the trial will assess the therapy’s tolerability, efficacy and safety in autistic children aged 13 to 17 years with gastrointestinal symptoms.
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This study involves sites from NSW, VIC and QLD.
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The Centre for Clinical Trials in Rare Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CCTRND) (QLD)
Located within the Centre for Children’s Health Research (CCHR), in Brisbane, the CCTRND team works to support and conduct a portfolio of clinical trials providing access to new treatment options for children with rare neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism, Fragile X Syndrome, Angelman’s Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.
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Find out more about the team's current clinical trials and how you can get involved on the CCTRND website.
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These studuies are being conducted in QLD.