Testing an inflammation-fighting drug to improve thinking in depression

Plain-English translation of NCT06136546 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2025 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

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Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.

What is this trial?

This research trial is testing a medication called to see if it can help with cognitive problems—like trouble concentrating or thinking clearly—that happen alongside depression. The study focuses on people whose depression is linked to high levels of inflammation in their blood. Researchers want to understand whether reducing that inflammation can improve both mood and how well your brain functions.

Many people with depression experience brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems that don't fully improve with standard antidepressants. Recent research suggests that inflammation in the body may play a role in these cognitive symptoms, so scientists want to test whether treating that inflammation directly might help.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 25 and 50 years old
you have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder with moderate symptom severity
you have a blood test showing elevated inflammation (C-reactive protein level of 3 mg/L or higher)
you have not taken antidepressants for at least 4 weeks, or have been on a stable dose for at least 4 weeks
you are able to read and understand English and willing to follow the study protocol
you are either not able to become pregnant, or if you can, you are using reliable birth control and willing to stay on it throughout the study

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had a serious infection or injury within the past month
you have a chronic infection like hepatitis B or C, HIV, or had COVID-19 in the past 6 months with ongoing symptoms
you have an autoimmune condition or untreated tuberculosis or fungal infections
you have uncontrolled heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, or other serious medical conditions that could interfere with the study
you have a history of cancer or are currently taking antipsychotic medications

What participation looks like

You would come in for an initial visit where blood will be drawn and you'll complete some cognitive tests and mood assessments. Then you would receive either the medication or a placebo through an IV catheter—a small tube placed in your vein. Over the next two weeks, you would complete brief daily check-ins on a mobile app about your mood and thinking, have blood drawn again at one week, and return for in-person assessments at the end. The entire study lasts about three weeks from start to finish.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 30, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts