Could an arthritis drug treat depression? new trial targets inflammation

NCT ID NCT05415397

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib can help people with a specific type of depression linked to inflammation, called immuno-metabolic depression (IMD). Researchers will give 140 people with IMD either celecoxib or a placebo, in addition to their usual depression treatment, for 12 weeks. The goal is to see if targeting inflammation improves depressive symptoms more than usual care alone.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Celecoxib (an anti-inflammatory drug, 400 mg daily)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could lead to a new, personalized treatment option for people with depression who have signs of inflammation.
What could go wrong: This is a phase 3 trial, but it's still relatively small (140 people) and only tests one type of anti-inflammatory. The drug may not work better than placebo, and long-term effects are unknown.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression Inflammation inflammatory disease major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSIVE DISORDER, MAJOR INFLAMMATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Department of Psychiatry Amsterdam UMC

Amsterdam, 1081 HJ, Netherlands

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