Could a heart drug lift bipolar depression?
NCT ID NCT02481245
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
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.
Disclaimer
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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.
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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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.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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The Dauten Family Center for Bipolar Treatment Innovation at Massachusetts General Hospital
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••