Major depression is a common mental disorder characterized by at least two weeks of depressed mood or loss of interest, often with sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, or self-worth changes. It can cause substantial functional impairment in daily life.
A genetic framework using Mendelian randomization identified and prioritized drug targets for major depression from over 525,000 cases. The study found drugs targeting genetically supported proteins are 2.6 times more likely to succeed and prioritized 54 repurposing opportunities using existing medications for other conditions.
Helus Pharma announced publication in Nature Medicine of Phase 2a trial results showing its short-acting psychedelic SPL026 met its primary endpoint with significant reductions in depressive symptoms at two weeks in moderate-to-severe MDD patients. The company also appointed a new SVP of Medical Affairs and is advancing HLP003 (Breakthrough Therapy Designation from FDA) and HLP004 in its pipeline.
A phase 2 trial found that a single intravenous dose of dimethyltryptamine (DMT) alongside psychotherapy significantly reduced major depressive disorder symptoms, with effects lasting up to 6 months.
A phase IIa clinical trial found that a single intravenous dose of dimethyltryptamine (DMT) with psychological support rapidly reduced depressive symptoms in 34 adults with major depressive disorder, with improvements sustained for up to three months.
| NCT ID | Title | Status | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07748091 |
EEG Microstate Parameters and Neuroinflammatory Biomarkers in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder Receiving ECT |
RECRUITING | |
| NCT07745569 |
Assessing of Behavioral Risk and Response to Electromagnetic and Psychedelic Therapies |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
| NCT07691749 |
Effect of Psychobiotics With Standard Antiddepressants in Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder |
RECRUITING | NA |
| NCT07684677 |
Effect of Participating in a Study of Causes of Pregnancy Loss on Mental Health Outcomes: A Target Trial Emulation Using the COPL Cohort and Danish National Registries |
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING | NA |
| NCT07673913 |
Relationship of Peripheral Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Biomarkers With Response to Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation in Treatment-Resistant Depression |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | NA |
| NCT07649993 |
Non-Coding RNAs Gene Expression in Psychiatric Disorders |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | |
| NCT07593222 |
Synaptic Mechanisms of Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation for Major Depressive Disorder |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE1/PHASE2 |
| NCT07562191 |
Inhaled DMT for Major Depressive Disorder |
RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
| NCT07560878 |
Synaptic Mechanisms of Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation in Depression |
RECRUITING | EARLY_PHASE1 |
| NCT07503002 |
Shortened LSD Intervention for Major Depressive Disorder |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE1 |
