Could a heart drug lift bipolar depression?

NCT ID NCT02481245

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether bezafibrate, a drug currently used for high cholesterol, can safely improve depression in people with bipolar disorder. Thirty adults with bipolar I or II who are already on a mood-stabilizing medication will take bezafibrate for 8 weeks. Researchers will monitor mood changes, side effects, and thinking skills to see if the drug is worth testing in larger trials.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Bezafibrate (a drug used for high cholesterol, repurposed here)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for bipolar depression, especially for people who don't respond to current therapies.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small, open-label trial with no placebo group, so results may not be reliable. The drug may not improve depression and could cause side effects like muscle pain or liver issues.

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.

bipolar disorder bipolar I disorder bipolar II disorder major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BIPOLAR DISORDER DEPRESSIVE EPISODE

Contacts and locations

Locations

The Dauten Family Center for Bipolar Treatment Innovation at Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.