The PKU Study

Currently Recruiting

3 May to 19 May 2026

Up to $5,100

Melbourne, Australia

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare condition that people are born with. It happens when the body cannot properly break down a part of protein called phenylalanine.

When phenylalanine builds up in the blood, it can damage the brain and cause learning problems, nerve problems, and mental health issues if it is not treated.

People with PKU are treated by eating very low‑protein diets or using special medicines, but these treatments can be hard to follow and do not work perfectly. The study drug is being developed to potentially treat PKU.

Apply now Speak with us 1300 215 319

Join our clinical trial

This is not a first-in-human (FIH) study, meaning it is not the first time the potential treatment is being tested in people. The study has been carefully designed with strict safety protocols and has been approved by an independent ethics committee. It is not known whether the study drug may cause unexpected, serious, or life-threatening side effects. While these are considered unlikely, you will be carefully monitored throughout the study and provided with prompt treatment if any such effects occur.

Before joining, you’ll receive detailed information about the study, meet with a doctor, and have the chance to ask any questions.

What to expect

  • Participation in a monitored clinical environment
  • Study visits scheduled
  • Support from a professional medical team
  • Reimbursement for your time and commitment

Trial details

Study duration

  • 10 nights stay
  • 1 phone call

Study medication

Administered via oral tablets

Additional eligibility

  • Non-smokers for at least 2 weeks prior to screening.

Ethics

An independent ethics committee has approved this clinical trial.

Are you a match?

Age

18 - 55 years old

Remuneration

Up to $5,100 *with screening reimbursement. Please see T&Cs.

Gender

Male or Female (Post-menopausal)

BMI

BMI 18 - 32 kg/m2

Commitment

10 nights

Medical condition

Not taking any medications

Register your interest

This form takes around 3–5 minutes to complete. Your information will remain confidential and is used only to assess your eligibility for current or future research studies.
Step 1 of 3
Contact Information




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Nucleus Network does not currently conduct clinical trials in your state. If you would like to receive study information should this situation change, please complete and submit this form.
Personal Information

This includes registering your interest with the Centre for Clinical Studies, Q-Pharm or Nucleus Network

Please call us on 1800 243 733


What is your date of birth?
Day Month Year

You need to be at least 18 years old to participate in clinical trials.


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Step 2 of 3
Medical History

We regularly have studies that allow participants who are (social) smokers.

We define an allergy as severe if symptoms include mouth/throat/face swelling, shortness of breath or a whole-body rash, or if it required hospitalisation

We regularly have studies that allow for/require participants with asthma.



We regularly have studies that allow for/require participants with medical conditions.

Medications & Contraception Requirements

We regularly have studies that allow participants with depression that is well-managed on a stable dose of medication.

If the only prescription medication you currently use is hormonal contraception and/or Ventolin, please select No above. We regularly have studies that allow for participants who take a stable dose of prescription medication.


  • Abstinence from sex with anyone of the opposite sex for at least 2 months
  • Using a condom + your female sexual partner(s) using a separate form of birth control
  • You or your sexual partner(s) had a vasectomy/hysterectomy
  • Your sexual partner(s) are post-menopausal


Only you taking birth control or your partner(s) using a condom is not an acceptable option, but using both together is. The morning after pill is not an acceptable form of birth control.

  • Abstinence, by choice, from sex with anyone of the opposite sex for the last 2 months + remaining abstinent for at least 2 months after study participation
  • You using birth control + your male sexual partner(s) using a condom
  • You or your sexual partner(s) had a hysterectomy/vasectomy
  • You are post-menopausal



Step 3 of 3
Study Preferences

While longer studies generally have a higher reimbursement, there are also studies with multiple short stays that have high reimbursements.
Referral Information



Consent to Information Use and Future Contact