Using Minocycline to Treat Autoimmune Encephalitis

Efficacy and Safety of Adjunctive Minocycline in the Treatment of Autoimmune Encephalitis: Open-lable, Randomised, Proof of Concept Study

Phase 2 Interventional Xijing Hospital · NCT06033846

This study is testing if the antibiotic minocycline can help adults with autoimmune encephalitis feel better when standard treatments aren't working.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorXijing Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Xi'an)
Trial IDNCT06033846 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the efficacy and safety of minocycline as an adjunctive treatment for autoimmune encephalitis, a serious brain disorder caused by immune system dysfunction. The study aims to enroll adults diagnosed with definite autoimmune encephalitis who have experienced rapid onset of symptoms. Participants will receive minocycline to assess its potential neuroprotective effects and ability to improve clinical outcomes in patients who are resistant to standard immunotherapies. The trial will monitor the safety and effectiveness of this treatment approach over a specified period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with definite autoimmune encephalitis and experiencing acute or subacute symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with known allergies to tetracycline antibiotics, significant liver or kidney disease, or cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new therapeutic option for patients with autoimmune encephalitis who do not respond to existing therapies.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of minocycline in central nervous system disorders is promising, this specific application in autoimmune encephalitis is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of definite autoimmune encephalitis(Graus et al 2016.)
2. Age ≥ 18 years
3. Acute or subacute onset (rapid progression of less than 3 months)
4. Reasonable exclusion of alternative causes
5. Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Known allergy to tetracycline antibiotics.
2. Pregnant women.
3. Uncontrolled serious concomitant illness.
4. Known chronic kidney disease stages 3b-5.
5. Moderate liver disease (see Child-Pugh for Classification of Severity of Liver Disease).
6. history of cognitive impairment

Where this trial is running

Xi'an

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 Autoimmune Encephalitisautoimmune encephalitisminocycline
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.