Could a brain steroid lift depression in HIV patients?
NCT ID NCT05570812
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 25, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a supplement called pregnenolone can improve depression in people with HIV. Researchers will give either pregnenolone or a placebo to 120 adults for 8 weeks, while they continue their usual antidepressants. Brain scans and mood questionnaires will measure changes in brain chemistry and depressive symptoms.
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Massachusetts General Hospital
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
Contact
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
pregnenolone
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for depression in people living with HIV.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with 120 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drug may not outperform placebo, and side effects are possible.
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.