A Study to Investigate the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of JNJ-42165279 in Adolescent and Adult Participants With Autism Spectrum Disorder

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group, Multicenter Study Investigating the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of JNJ-42165279 in Adolescent and Adult Subjects With Autism Spectrum Disorder

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of JNJ-42165279 compared with placebo in the improvement of symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during 12 weeks of treatment using the Autism Behavior Inventory (ABI).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 5th Edition (DSM-5) criteria and made or confirmed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd edition (ADOS-2) (minimum score of 8 [autism spectrum])
• Otherwise healthy for their age group or medically stable with or without medication on the basis of physical examination, medical history, vital signs, 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), and clinical laboratory tests
• Have a composite score on Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test, Second Edition (KBIT-2) of at least 60
• Must live with a parent or primary caregiver or, if not, during each week he/she must either (A) spend at least 3 hours a day for at least 4 days or, (B) spend the weekend with a parent or primary caregiver
• Any pharmacologic, diet, or behavioral intervention for ASD must have begun at least 1 month prior to the baseline visit and continue unchanged through the treatment period, or have ended at least 1 month prior to the baseline visit
• Must be able to swallow the study medication whole and self-administer medication if living independently or have a parent or caregiver be able to administer medication
• Must agree to abide by the birth control requirements during the study and for 3 months after the last dose

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current or recent history of clinically significant suicidal ideation within the past 6 months, or a history of suicidal behavior within the past year
• Use of a drug with moderate/strong cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A4 inhibiting or inducing properties at, or prior to, screening that is not discontinued at least within 1 month prior to Day 1
• History of drug or alcohol use disorder according to DSM-5 criteria within 6 months before screening or positive test result(s) for alcohol or drugs of abuse (except if related to current treatment)
• Currently taking or has taken within the past month recreational or medically prescribed cannabis