Major Depressive Disorder

About This Indication

Modern depression research focuses on novel mechanisms that affect glutamate signaling rather than traditional serotonin pathways, potentially offering new options for those with complex symptoms.

Studies investigate how new medications impact not only mood but also significant insomnia and anxiety symptoms. This holistic approach aims to improve overall quality of life for those living with MDD.

Participation typically includes a screening period, a treatment phase with supervised dosing, and follow-up safety checks. These programs often include specialized cognitive and sleep assessments.

Total participation is up to about 14 weeks: up to 4 weeks of screening including blood work, ECGs, psychiatric interviews and questionnaires, a 6-week treatment phase with weekly clinic visits, an end-of-treatment visit at Day 43, and a safety follow-up phone call at Day 71. Optional at-home sleep monitoring may be offered. Common side effects may include headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea or digestive issues, and ECG monitoring is performed at each visit.

Study Benefits

Study medication, psychiatric assessments, health monitoring, labs, ECGs, qEEG testing and cognitive assessments are provided at no cost and no insurance is required. Participants receive $200 per completed clinic visit and $75 per completed phone visit, paid by check at the end of each visit, whether they receive study medication or placebo. Parking, transportation and meals during site visits are reimbursed, and optional at-home sleep monitoring provides up to $150 in additional compensation.

• Receive $200 per completed clinic visit and $75 per phone visit
• Reimbursement for parking, transportation, and meals during site visits
• Additional compensation of up to $150 for optional at-home sleep monitoring

Scientific Rigor

Clinical trials are conducted according to strict FDA regulations. Independent review boards oversee every aspect of the study to ensure participant welfare and data integrity.

Expert Monitoring

Psychiatric researchers lead our clinical teams, monitoring safety and symptoms closely throughout the research period to provide a high standard of clinical care.

Important Eligibility Criteria

• Adults 18 to 64 years of age
• Current Major Depressive Disorder episode lasting at least 3 weeks and no more than 18 months
• Moderate to severe depression symptoms
• Significant insomnia, meaning trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
• Significant anxiety symptoms

You May Not Qualify If

• You have treatment-resistant depression, defined as 2 or more adequate antidepressant trials failed in this episode
• You have a psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or MDD with psychotic features
• You have used ketamine, esketamine or psychedelic substances within the last 12 months
• You currently use antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, stimulants or benzodiazepines
• You have used cannabis, THC or CBD within 14 days of study start
• You have used nicotine products within 14 days of study start

Other medical exclusions may apply and the study team reviews your full medical history during screening.