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Research Studies

The Phase 3 D1AMOND study is researching a study drug called ecopipam in children over the age of 6, adolescents, and adults who have Tourette’s Disorder.

It is estimated that Tourette’s Disorder affects about 1 in 160 children in the United States and millions more children, adolescents, and adults throughout the world. The currently approved therapies for their condition sometimes come with undesirable side effects. The Phase 3 D1AMOND study is conducting research on ecopipam, which is designed to function differently than currently approved therapies.

What should I know about the Phase 3 D1AMOND study?

It is a multicenter study
It includes an open-label period and a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized withdrawal period
Participants will be in the study for approximately 8 months
To be eligible for this study, participants must:
- Be at least 6 years of age
- Weigh at least 18 kg (39.6 lbs)
- Have a diagnosis of Tourette’s Disorder
- Have both motor and vocal tics

This is not a complete list of study requirements. The study doctor will discuss all the requirements and answer any questions.

The health and safety of participants will be monitored throughout the study
Study participants will receive all study-related procedures and the investigational drug at no cost
Participants who complete the study will have the opportunity to enter an open-label extension study

Tracy Hammer Iris Kathol

Email: tahammer@ucalgary.ca or Email: ikathol@ucalgary.ca

Phone: 403-210-7590. Phone: 403-210-6830

This study has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board Ethics ID# REB22-1825

We know that both genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development and severity of neurodevelopmental conditions like autism, ADHD, OCD and Tourette syndrome. The gut microbiota helps to regulate how the immune system matures and how the brain develops and functions, in what is called the gut-brain axis. Because of this, we are interested in if there is also a similar association between these conditions and the gut microbiota in the hope that we can develop new treatments in the future. We are hoping to connect with families that have a neurodiverse child and an unaffected sibling (without a diagnosis) between the ages of 5 and 18, so that we can understand the relationships between neurodevelopment, behaviour, and the gut microbiota.

The study has three components:

An online survey
A stool sample
A short telephone survey

Each child will receive a $60 Everything gift card.

To participate in research study, please contact:

Mehrafarin Ramezani

Email: minddfulxd@ucalgary.ca

Telephone: 403 612 0978

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Young girl whispering in the ear of another girl

Researchers at the University of Alberta are trying to learn more about how children with Tourette syndrome communicate. Some children with Tourette syndrome have trouble communicating and some don’t. We want to understand communication in Tourette syndrome so that we can plan better interventions for children.

If you have a child with TS between 8-16 years old, please consider filling out the survey in the link below. It will take 30-45 minutes on your device. Your participation helps us to plan better interventions for children with TS.

This invitation to participate has been forwarded on behalf of University of Alberta researchers in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Please direct your questions to:

Angela Feehan

Email: afeehan@ualberta.ca

We know that both genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development and severity of tic disorders. Gut microbiota, which is the collection of trillions of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, has been shown to be associated with autism spectrum disorders, stress, anxiety and depression. The gut microbiota helps to regulate how the immune system matures and how the brain develops and functions, in what is called the gut-brain axis. Because of this, we are interested in whether there is also a similar association between tic disorders and the gut microbiota. Understanding this relationship is important to improving our knowledge on tic disorders, allowing the quality of care to continue to improve in the future.

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To participate in the research study, please contact:

Davide Martino Tamara Pringsheim

Email: davide.martino@ucalgary.ca Email: tmprings@ucalgary.ca

Telephone: 403 210 8726 Telephone: 403 210 6877

The purpose of a registry is to collect information in order to help doctors, researchers and patients learn more about a disease or condition. This information will include data on age, gender, diagnosis, comorbid conditions and symptom severity. It will be used for research purposes, which will aid in our understanding of tic disorders. This will help us to improve upon the care and quality of life of people with tic disorders.

There are two tic registries: one for adults and one for children. To participate in the Tic Disorders Clinical Registry, we will record information on the patient's (adult or child) age, gender, diagnosis, other conditions present and the severity of their symptoms. This information is collected during typical clinic visits, but we need yours and your child’s permission to use this data in a registry for research purposes.