November 22, 2025

PATHWAYS trial – clinical trial of puberty suppression in young people with gender incongruence

A new clinical trial assessing the use of puberty suppression in young people with gender incongruence is being set up after the Cass review of gender identity services for children and young people in the UK noted an absence of, and a need for, evidence in this area.

The Trial is part of a wider programme of research that aims to provide a stronger evidence base to understand how to best support young people experiencing gender incongruence being treated at the NHS Children and Young People’s Gender Services.

A second study, PATHWAYS CONNECT, is also being set up to study of brain health of those receiving puberty suppression and those receiving only psychosocial and other non-medical care.

Before this new research begins, come along to get background to the study, including:

– Why are these studies being carried out?

– Who will be eligible to take part in the studies?

– How many young people are likely to take part?

– How have these research studies been reviewed and what safeguards are in place?

– What do we already know about these medicines from their use in children with precocious puberty?

– Can’t we use existing data to understand the benefits and risks of puberty suppression?

– How is has the trial been designed?

– What outcomes will be measured?

Speakers will include:

Prof Emily Simonoff, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN); and Chief Investigator of the study

Dr Michael Absoud, Adjunct Reader & Consultant in Paediatric Neurodisability at King’s College London; and Deputy Chief Investigator

Prof Richard Emsley, Professor of Medical Statistics and Trials Methodology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, and Academic Director of the King’s Clinical Trials Unit at King’s College London