Plain-English translation of NCT06580145 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.
This study is testing whether , a nutrient found in foods like eggs and chicken, can help treat depression in middle-aged adults. Researchers believe that long-term inflammation in the body may contribute to depression by damaging how brain cells communicate. The medication may help protect the brain from inflammation-related damage.
Current depression treatments don't work for everyone, and some people experience symptoms that may increase their risk of dementia later. This research could lead to a new treatment option, especially for people whose depression hasn't responded to existing medications.
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You will participate in this study for 6 weeks. Half of the participants will take leucine supplements daily, while the other half will take a comparison supplement (lysine). During the study, you'll have brain imaging scans and blood tests to measure inflammation and brain function. You'll also complete questionnaires about your mood and symptoms at different time points to see if the treatment is helping.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 5, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Phase
Testing effectiveness
Sponsor
Emory University
Collaborators
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Enrollment target
~75 participants
Started
February 2025
Primary completion
June 2028
Age range
35 Years – 65 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in April 2025.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Ebrahim Haroon, MD
Emory University
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.