Exploring NMDA modulation for treating major depressive disorder
Official title: NMDA Modulation in Major Depressive Disorder
Run by China Medical University Hospital · NCT04637620 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for major depressive disorder to see if it works better than a common antidepressant and a placebo.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | China Medical University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taichung) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2017 |
| Main results expected | November 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04637620 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are non-elderly adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder who have not been on antidepressant medications for at least two weeks.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe cognitive impairment, or those with a history of treatment resistance may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the efficacy and safety of an NMDA enhancer (NMDAE) in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults, comparing it to sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and a placebo. The trial will enroll non-elderly adult patients diagnosed with MDD and will last for 8 weeks, during which participants will be randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups. Clinical performance and side effects will be monitored biweekly, while cognitive functions will be assessed at the beginning and end of the treatment period. The goal is to determine if NMDAE can improve both depressive symptoms and cognitive function compared to standard treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new treatment option that not only alleviates depressive symptoms but also enhances cognitive function in patients with MDD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown cognitive improvements with NMDA enhancers, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Have a DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association) diagnosis of MDD * 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression total score ≥ 18 * Free of antidepressant drugs for at least 2 weeks * Agree to participate in the study and provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Current substance abuse or history of substance dependence in the past 6 months * History of epilepsy, head trauma, stroke or other serious medical or neurological illness which may interfere with the study * Bipolar depression, schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder * Moderate-severe suicidal risks * Severe cognitive impairment * Initiating or stopping formal psychotherapy within six weeks prior to enrollment * A history of severe adverse reaction to SSRIs * A treatment-resistant history (that is, they have failed to respond to two or more different classes of antidepressants with adequate dosage and treatment duration * A history of previously received electroconvulsive therapy * Inability to follow protocol
Where it's running
-
Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University Hospital
Taichung, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hsien-Yuan Lane, M.D., Ph.D
- Email: hylane@gmail.com
- Phone: 886 4 22052121
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.