Using D-Cycloserine to Enhance Brain Stimulation for Depression
Official title: D-Cycloserine Augmentation of Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) in Depression: A Multi-Site, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial (COGENT)
Run by The Alfred · NCT05591677 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing if the drug D-Cycloserine can make brain stimulation treatment work better for people with major depression.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Alfred Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Melbourne, Victoria) |
| Trial ID | NCT05591677 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of major depressive episode and treatment-resistant depression.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with unstable medical conditions, certain neurological disorders, or those currently using substances 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 clinical trial investigates whether the drug D-Cycloserine (DCS) can enhance the effects of Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Participants will receive either 50mg or 100mg of DCS or a placebo before daily iTBS sessions over four weeks. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of DCS in improving depressive symptoms compared to iTBS alone, as well as assess the safety and tolerability of the drug. Clinical assessments will be conducted at various points throughout the treatment period to evaluate outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar augmentation strategies in enhancing the effects of brain stimulation therapies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of major depressive episode (MDE), in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5), in the context of unipolar major depressive disorder or bipolar affective disorder. * 18 years or older in age. * Treatment resistant depression at Stage II of the Thase and Rush classification.56 * Baseline Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale score of ≥ 20 (moderate-to-severe depression severity).57,58 * No increase or initiation of new antidepressant therapy in the four weeks prior to screening. * Demonstrated capacity to give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to provide informed consent. * Medically unstable patients at the discretion of the investigator. * Concomitant neurological disorder or a history of a seizure disorder. * Participants who are pregnant. * Current substance use meeting DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorder. * Per DSM-5, had ever met diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder or delusional disorder as assessed by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) at the time of screening. * Diagnosis of any other mental disorder that is the participant's primary diagnosis or main mental health syndrome of concern at the time of screening, which may significantly affect psychiatric status and assessed as likely to impact trial participation, in the clinical judgement of the investigator.
Where it's running
-
Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Leo Chen, MBBS PhD FRANZCP — The Alfred
- Study coordinator: Kaila Bianco
- Email: tms-trials@monash.edu
- Phone: +61 3 9076 6564
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Dupilumab for Major Depressive Disorder
This study tests whether dupilumab can engage immune targets in adults with major depressive disorder to see if it can help with depressive symptoms.
-
Accelerated vs Standard iTBS for Major Depression
This trial tests whether giving more accelerated iTBS sessions is better tolerated and more effective than the standard schedule for adults with major depressive disorder.
-
Psilocybin with Structured Integrated Reframing Therapy for trauma-related MDD and PTSD
This trial tests whether psilocybin therapy, alone or with Structured Integrated Reframing Therapy (SIRT), helps people with trauma-related major depressive disorder who are already on a stable antidepressant.
-
Magnesium Bisglycinate Added to Your Depression Treatment
This study tests whether adding magnesium bisglycinate to your current antidepressant can help reduce depressive symptoms and improve sleep and daily functioning for adults with major depressive disorder.
-
Motif XCS System for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests whether the Motif XCS System is safe and tolerable and might help people with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.
-
A Phase 3 test of DT120 for major depressive disorder
DT120 is tested against placebo in adults with major depressive disorder to see if it can help reduce depressive symptoms.
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.