PWS Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials Pave The Way For PWS Treatments

Clinical trials are an essential part of finding safe and effective treatments for people with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). By participating in a clinical trial, families and individuals with PWS help move us closer to a future where the symptoms of PWS can be better managed — and ultimately, where new treatment options become available to all who need them.

What Are Clinical Trials?

1-Jun-09-2025-11-52-42-1803-PMClinical trials are carefully designed research studies. They are a critical step in determining whether a treatment works and is safe for people. Each study follows strict guidelines and is reviewed by ethics committees (IRBs) to protect participants. Participation is always voluntary.

In recent years, families in our community have played a key role in advancing promising treatments — such as VYKAT XR— through clinical trial participation. Every trial — even those that don’t lead to approval — helps us learn and get closer to better treatments.

Why Participate in A PWS Clinical Trial?

Participating in a trial is a personal decision. Here are some reasons families choose to take part:

  • Hope for new treatments: Clinical trials provide access to potential new medications or therapies not yet available to the public.
  • Extra medical care: Trial participants often receive closer monitoring and care from expert medical teams.
  • Helping others: Every family that participates helps generate data that benefits the entire PWS community.
  • Support for travel: Many trials provide reimbursement for travel and lodging expenses for the participant and caregiver.

Things to Consider When Participating in a Clinical Trial

Clinical trials may involve risks and require time and travel. It's important to understand:

  • You can leave a trial at any time, for any reason.
  • You may receive a placebo (inactive treatment) depending on the study design.
  • There may be side effects, as with any medication or treatment.
  • Most studies require a commitment to attend visits and complete assessments.

Before participating, the study team will review all details with you and answer your questions. We encourage all families to talk with their doctor and loved ones before making a decision.

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Sign Up For PWS Clinical Trial Alerts

Active PWS Clinical Trials

Click the logos to learn more about each trial.

ARD Trial Card VNS Trial Card Pitolisant Trial Card

 

FPWR does not endorse or recommend any specific study. Our goal is to provide information to help members of the PWS community decide whether participation in a clinical trial is right for them and their loved one with PWS. Anyone considering participating in a clinical trial should discuss the matter with his or her physician.

Find a Trial Near You!

Click on the pins for information about trials that are currently recruiting.

 

 

Other Research Opportunities: Non-Medication PWS Studies

Global PWS Registry
Investigator: Foundation for Prader-Willi Research
Eligible Ages: all
Consists of surveys that can be completed at your own pace
Learn More>>

MyHQ Project
Investigator: Elizabeth Roof, Vanderbilt University
Eligible Ages: 10+
Requires 1 Zoom call with the person with PWS
Learn More >> 

Skin Picking Study
Investigator: Dr. Scott Hall, Stanford University
Eligible Ages: 10 - 25
Requires 1 in-person visit to Stanford University
Learn More >>

 


 

The Global PWS Registry: Powering Clinical Research

The Global PWS Registry is one of the most important tools we have for driving research forward. It helps researchers and clinicians better understand how PWS affects individuals at different ages, and it provides valuable data to support clinical trials and the approval of new treatments.

2-Jun-09-2025-11-52-42-1550-PMIn 2025, Vykat XR became the first FDA-approved treatment for hyperphagia in individuals with PWS, and data from the Global PWS Registry played an important role in this historic approval. Families who participated in the Registry completed surveys about hunger-related behaviors. This real-world evidence showed that individuals with PWS who were not taking DCCR had higher hyperphagia scores than those who participated in the Phase 3 DCCR trial — reinforcing the drug’s effectiveness.

Continued Registry participation will support future clinical trials and approval efforts for other promising treatments. How does the registry support trials?

  • Helps researchers understand real-world symptoms and unmet needs
  • Provides data on the natural history of PWS, which is critical for designing trials
  • Identifies potential trial participants
  • Strengthens applications to regulatory agencies like the FDA

Be part of the next breakthrough! Join the Global PWS Registry and help power future discoveries, improve care, and advance safer and effective treatments for people with PWS.


PWS Clinical Trials FAQ

Want to learn more about clinical trials? Download our PWS Clinical Trials FAQ Sheet.