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Depression Research Study

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a study in adults to test a new experimental treatment for depression.

Fast Facts

Study Background

This study is testing a potential rapid-acting treatment for major depressive disorder, combining an investigational medication with a computer-based task designed to retrain the brain. Researchers aim to understand whether this approach can quickly and effectively reduce symptoms of depression.

Depression is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people, often leading to persistent sadness, negative thinking, and difficulty engaging in daily life. Traditional treatments, such as antidepressant medications and therapy, can take weeks to show effects, leaving many individuals struggling in the meantime. This study explores a new approach using apimostinel, an investigational medication that may have rapid-acting antidepressant properties, alongside a computerized cognitive training task that could create lasting changes in how the brain processes information.

Participants in this study will receive a single infusion of either apimostinel or a placebo, followed by four days of structured computer-based training. The study will assess whether this combination leads to faster and more effective symptom relief compared to traditional treatment options. By evaluating changes in mood, cognition, and brain function over time, researchers hope to develop more immediate and long-lasting treatments for major depressive disorder.

Study Background

Additional Information

Why is this study being done?

This study is testing a potential rapid-acting treatment for major depressive disorder. Researchers are evaluating whether a single infusion of apimostinel, an investigational medication, combined with a computer-based cognitive training task, can quickly and effectively reduce symptoms of depression. The goal is to determine if this approach leads to faster and more lasting improvements compared to traditional treatments.

Is this study for me?

You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

Age 18-60 years old
Major depressive disorder
No history of bipolar disorder or mania/hypomania

Additional Inclusion Criteria:

No serious and unstable medical conditions ongoing
No ongoing/recent severe substance use disorders
No history of psychosis or autism spectrum disorders
No history of: Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, strokes, or one or more seizures without a clear and resolved etiology
Not pregnant or breastfeeding, and not planning to conceive a child within the study period
Not currently taking any opioid medications, MAOIs, or medications with actions at the NMDA or AMPA glutamate receptor
Did not receive ECT within the past 6 months
Not currently receiving VNS or rTMS treatments
Not participating in any clinical trial of an investigational product or device within 30 days of enrollment

What will happen if I participate in the study?

If you participate, you will first complete a virtual consent and screening process to determine eligibility. If eligible, you will attend approximately 11 in-person visits over a 45-day period in Pittsburgh. These visits include a comprehensive medical and laboratory screening, a single infusion of either apimostinel or a placebo, and four days of computer-based cognitive training. You will also complete assessments throughout the study to track changes in mood and cognition. After the main study period, you will have monthly virtual follow-up assessments each month until you reach 6 months post-enrollment.

Will I be paid for being in this research study?

Compensation of up to $300 is provided. Free parking is available on-site, and we can also be reached via public transit.

Will it cost me anything to participate in this study?

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.