Combining dasatinib and quercetin to address accelerated aging in mental disorders
Dasatinib Plus Quercetin for Accelerated Aging in Mental Disorders
PHASE2 · Washington University School of Medicine · NCT05838560
This study is testing whether a combination of two medications, dasatinib and quercetin, can help older adults with schizophrenia or treatment-resistant depression feel better and slow down aging effects.
Quick facts
| Phase | PHASE2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine (other) |
| Drugs / interventions | dasatinib, chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Saint Louis, Missouri) |
| Trial ID | NCT05838560 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot open-label study investigates the safety and feasibility of dasatinib combined with quercetin in older adults suffering from schizophrenia or treatment-resistant depression, both of which are associated with accelerated aging. The study will enroll up to 40 participants and assess changes in the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), neuropsychological functioning, and clinical symptoms over approximately one year. Participants will self-administer the medications for eight doses, complemented by lifestyle education focusing on strength, balance, and nutrition. MRI scans and blood draws will be conducted to monitor physiological changes throughout the study.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50 and older with treatment-resistant depression or schizophrenia, and associated aging conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for dasatinib or quercetin, or those with active suicidal ideation may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve mental health outcomes and reduce aging-related decline in older adults with these conditions.
How similar studies have performed: While the combination of dasatinib and quercetin is novel, previous studies have shown promise in using senolytics for aging-related conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Either major depression, which is treatment-resistant (currently depressed despite at least 2 adequate trials of antidepressants in this or the previous episode), or schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder. 2. Age 50+ (60+ for depression). 3. Three conditions associated with aging (e.g., hypertension/diabetes/metabolic syndrome, cardiac disease, lung disease other than asthma, cancer with adult-onset, arthritis, and inflammatory diseases typically seen in aging). 4. No history of dementia by patient report. 5. Already taking an adequate dose of medication for schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder or depression. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Contraindications for dasatinib or quercetin 2. Active SI such that participant could not be safely managed in an outpatient clinical trial. 3. Taking medications that are strong CPY3A4 inhibitors or strong inducers, or that induce senescence (e.g., alkylating agents, anthracyclines, platins/other chemotherapy), or everolimus and topotecan (which have interactions with quercetin). 4. All medications and medical conditions will be reviewed by physician study investigators to determine whether the medication or condition, in the opinion of the investigators, makes the participant inappropriate for the study. Examples of such potential excluding conditions: Active inflammatory, infectious, or malignant disease; sensory deficits that would interfere with assessments; recent heart attack or stroke; severe bleeding disorder; uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes mellitus; active liver disease or cirrhosis; current use of systemic steroids, quinolone antibiotics, hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine.
Where this trial is running
Saint Louis, Missouri
- Washington University School of Medicine — Saint Louis, Missouri, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eric Lenze, MD — Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
- Study coordinator: Andes Daskalakis-Perez, BA
- Email: andes@wustl.edu
- Phone: 314-747-7862
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Schizophrenia, Treatment Resistant Depression, Aging, Premature, Older Adults