Investigation of the Antidepressant Effects of (2R,6R)-HNK, an Enhancer of Synaptic Glutamate Release, in Treatment-Resistant Depression
Recruiting · Bethesda, Maryland
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Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious mental illness that can put people at risk of self-harm and death. Many drugs are used to treat MDD, but it can take a long time for them to be effective.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious mental illness that can put people at risk of self-harm and death. Many drugs are used to treat MDD, but it can take a long time for them to be effective. Researchers want to know if a faster-acting drug, (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK), can better treat the symptoms of MDD. Objective: To test a study drug (HNK) in people with MDD. Eligibility: People aged 18 to 70 years with MDD. They must have had a screening assessment under protocol 01-M-0254. Design: Participants will be tapered off their current MDD drugs over 2 to 5 weeks. They will stay off of the drugs for up to 2 weeks prior to starting the study medication and procedures. They will have a physical exam with blood tests. They will have tests of their heart function, mood, and thinking. They will answer questions about their symptoms. They may choose to have imaging scans and scans of their brain activity. HNK is given through a tube attached to a needle inserted into a vein. Participants will receive infusions on this schedule: They will receive 4 infusions over 2 weeks. They will stay in the clinical center overnight after each infusion or for the duration of the study. They will receive no drugs for 2 to 3 weeks. They will have 4 more infusions over 2 weeks, with overnight stays after each or for the duration of the study. One set of 4 infusions will be the HNK. The other set of 4 infusions will be a placebo. A placebo looks just like the real drug but contains no medicine. Participants will not know when they are getting the HNK or placebo. ...
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •Age 18 to 70 years
- •Has major depressive disorder (MDD), single episode or recurring, without psychotic features, and is having a major depressive episode lasting at least two weeks
- •Scores high enough on MADRS and low enough on YMRS near study entry (within one week of entry and when entering Phase II)
- •Has had lack of response to at least one adequate antidepressant trial (including non-response to ECT or TMS counting as an adequate antidepressant trial)
- •Can understand and sign informed consent and score at least 80% on the consent quiz
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •Pregnant or breastfeeding
- •Has current psychotic features, or has schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder
- •Has recently used certain drugs or alcohol problems (within the preceding three months), or has a positive drug urine test as defined (except prescribed benzodiazepines or stimulants)
- •Has taken disallowed medications too close to Phase II (including certain MAOIs, fluoxetine, aripiprazole, brexpiprazole, clozapine, ECT, or disallowed meds/TMS within the stated time windows)
- •Has certain serious or unstable medical problems (examples include certain liver, heart, kidney, endocrine, or neurologic conditions) or abnormal lab results that meet exclusion thresholds
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 18–70
- ✓Have Depression
- !Some conditions may not be a fit: Heart / cardiovascular disease, High blood pressure, Kidney disease
- !Not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
Yes. This treatment has already been through earlier human studies for safety before reaching this stage.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious mental illness that can put people at risk of self-harm and death. Many drugs are used to treat MDD, but it can take a long time for them to be effective.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a mid-stage study (Phase 2), looking at safety and whether the treatment works. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
The study treatment and study-related visits are provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06511908 · Locations: Maryland