Research to Help Irritable Behaviors
Associated with Pediatric ASD

About The Penguin Study

This pediatric autism clinical research study is currently testing the drug, pimavanserin, to see if it is safe and effective in treating irritability and other behaviors in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

About The Penguin Study

Study Participation

The Penguin study is enrolling children with ASD who are showing signs of irritable behavior. Your child may be eligible to participate in this clinical research study if they meet the following criteria:

To be considered for the study, patients must:

  • Be 5 to 17 years old
  • Have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder
  • Experience irritable behaviors associated with their ASD
  • Have a parent or guardian able to participate as a study partner during the study
  • Be able to swallow a medium-sized capsule

Other criteria will apply.

Study participation will last for up to 14 weeks, with a 6-week treatment period. Children who enroll in this study will receive either the study drug or placebo. A placebo looks like the study drug but has no impact on the person taking it. There will be no cost for the study drug or any study-related procedures. You may be compensated for your time and travel.

If your child completes the 6-week treatment period, they may be able to enroll in a 52-week, open-label extension study if they qualify. During this open-label study, there is no placebo. Children who enroll will receive the study drug, pimavanserin.

Irritability in Children with ASD

Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, affects an estimated 1 out of every 100 children worldwide. ASD is typically defined as a series of altered developments in one or more of the following areas: social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication.

As a parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder, you may also notice signs of irritability in your child. Since they may have difficulty communicating how they are thinking or feeling at times, they may become frustrated and irritable. This can often present as aggression, self-harming behavior such as banging their head, meltdowns, and breaking their toys.

Refer A Friend

Do you know a young family member or loved one who is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder? They may be eligible to participate in the Penguin study. Consider sharing information with their parents or guardians about how they can learn more.

Refer a Friend