Esketamine nasal spray for people with treatment-resistant depression in routine care

ESKPSY: Esketamine in Real-World Settings: Clinical Outcomes, Predictors of Response, Life Functioning and Biological Pathways

Observational Universita degli Studi di Genova · NCT07146503

This study will try esketamine nasal spray in adults with treatment-resistant depression to see how well it works and how safe it is in everyday clinical settings.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 74 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversita degli Studi di Genova Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Genova, Ge and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07146503 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational, real-world study follows adults (18–74) with a DSM-5 major depressive episode who have failed at least two prior antidepressant treatments and are receiving esketamine plus an SSRI or SNRI. Clinical outcomes and safety are recorded during routine care while researchers also collect biological and neurobehavioral data to explore predictors of response, including genetics, neuroimaging, and psychophysical measures. The study examines effects on daily functioning, including social and occupational domains, to capture real-life benefits and harms. Data are collected at participating hospitals in Genova and Chieti, Italy, without experimental randomization or placebo control.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults ages 18 to 74 with a current major depressive episode who have not responded to at least two prior antidepressant treatments and are being treated with an SSRI or SNRI may be eligible.

Not a fit: People younger than 18 or older than 74, those who have not failed two antidepressant regimens, or those with medical reasons preventing esketamine use are unlikely to benefit from joining this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the study could help clinicians identify which patients are most likely to benefit from esketamine and tailor treatment to improve daily functioning.

How similar studies have performed: Randomized clinical trials have shown that esketamine can produce rapid antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression, but real-world outcome data and biomarker-driven predictor studies remain more limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria were: (a) age 18-74, (b) DSM-5 diagnosis of a major depressive episode (MDE), (c) failure to respond to at least 2 prior antidepressant treatments (ADTs), and (d) current treatment with an SSRI or SNRI for which esketamine nasal spray was deemed appropriate.

Where this trial is running

Genova, Ge and 4 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Depression and Quality of LifeTreatment Resistant DepressionAnhedoniaApathyAnxietyCognitionTemperamentPsychiatric Comorbidities
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.