TSST in Early Drug Development
The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is an established, reproducible method for standardized stress induction and can also serve as an innovative tool in early drug development. In Phase 1 studies, the TSST enables controlled stress exposure to evaluate the efficacy of potential anxiolytic compounds before later clinical phases. By combining subjective and physiological endpoints with close safety monitoring, it is possible to assess early on whether a compound can reduce anxiety while ensuring safety under acute conditions.
In 2023, daacro led the administration of the TSST in a Phase 1 study in collaboration with an Australian CRO, applying a standardized TSST training program including a comprehensive monitoring concept. The results were promising: the training program proved highly effective and contributed significantly to the success of the study. The methodology of the TSST training concept was presented as a poster titled “Standardization of the Trier Social Stress Test administration to enhance reproducibility” at the CNS Summit in Boston in November 2025. If you are interested in the poster, please feel free to contact us.
Literature:
Schmitt, F., Berry, M., Chen, M., Hellhammer, J. (2025).
Standardization of the Trier Social Stress Test administration to enhance reproducibility. [Poster presentation].
CNS Summit, Boston, USA.