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Placebo then intranasal oxytocin
Intranasal oxytocin is a neuropeptide that binds to oxytocin receptors in the brain to modulate social cognition, emotional processing, and interpersonal bonding.
Intranasal oxytocin is a neuropeptide that binds to oxytocin receptors in the brain to modulate social cognition, emotional processing, and interpersonal bonding. Used for Social cognition and bonding enhancement (research/investigational), Autism spectrum disorder (investigational), Social anxiety disorder (investigational).
At a glance
| Generic name | Placebo then intranasal oxytocin |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | MacDonald, Kai, M.D. |
| Drug class | Neuropeptide |
| Target | Oxytocin receptor (OXTR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry/Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Oxytocin is an endogenous nonapeptide hormone and neurotransmitter that acts on oxytocin receptors distributed throughout the central nervous system. When administered intranasally, it crosses the blood-brain barrier and influences neural circuits involved in social behavior, trust, empathy, and stress response. The mechanism is thought to enhance prosocial behaviors and reduce social anxiety through modulation of amygdala and prefrontal cortex activity.
Approved indications
- Social cognition and bonding enhancement (research/investigational)
- Autism spectrum disorder (investigational)
- Social anxiety disorder (investigational)
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nasal irritation
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Key clinical trials
- Intranasal and Intravenous Oxytocin for Analgesia to Noxious Heat Pain (PHASE2)
- Oxytocin, Stress, Craving, Opioid Use Disorder (PHASE1)
- Oxytocin Treatment in Neonates and Infants With Prader-Willi Syndrome (PHASE3)
- Examining Dose-Related Effects of Oxytocin on Social Cognition Across Populations (PHASE1)
- Intranasal Oxytocin in Hypothalamic Obesity (PHASE2)
- Effects of Oxytocin Administered Orally Using a Medicated Lollipop on Peripheral Concentrations and Attention (NA)
- Effects of Intranasal Oxytocin on Cigarette Smoking (PHASE4)
- The Effects of Oxytocin on Complex Social Cognition in Autism Spectrum Disorders (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Placebo then intranasal oxytocin CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Placebo then intranasal oxytocin updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- MacDonald, Kai, M.D. portfolio CI