Investigating how specialized lipids can help treat treatment-resistant depression
Official title: Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators and treatment resistant depression
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11076270 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether higher doses of a special omega-3 oil can help people with treatment-resistant depression feel better by reducing inflammation, and it will follow participants for 12 weeks to see how their mood improves.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | April 10, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $519,364 |
| NIH project number | 5R33AT012329-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076270 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and exhibit treatment-resistant symptoms along with chronic inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have major depressive disorder or those whose depression is not linked to inflammatory processes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a condition where standard antidepressant treatments fail. It explores the role of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators, which are derived from omega-3 fatty acids, in reducing inflammation that may contribute to persistent depressive symptoms. The study aims to determine if higher doses of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can lead to significant improvements in mood for individuals with chronic inflammation. Patients will be monitored over a 12-week period to assess changes in depressive symptoms and overall mental health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results using omega-3 fatty acids for depression, suggesting that this approach may be effective for certain patients.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rapaport, Mark Hyman — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Rapaport, Mark Hyman
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.