Could an arthritis drug lift depression in HIV patients?

NCT ID NCT05849038

First seen May 28, 2026

Summary

This study looks at whether inflammation in the brain causes symptoms like loss of interest and slow movement in depressed people with HIV. Sixty participants will receive either the anti-inflammatory drug baricitinib or a placebo for 10 weeks. Researchers will use brain scans and motivation tests to see if the drug improves these symptoms.

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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

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Emory University Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Grady Memorial Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30303, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

baricitinib (Olumiant)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new treatment for depression in people with HIV by targeting inflammation.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study with only 60 participants. The drug may not improve symptoms, and side effects like infection risk are possible.

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

AIDS Anhedonia Depression depressive disorder HIV infectious disease major depressive disorder Psychomotor Disorders

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.