Could an arthritis drug ease depression by calming brain inflammation?

NCT ID NCT04814355

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Stony Brook University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested whether celecoxib (Celebrex), an anti-inflammatory drug, can reduce brain inflammation in people with major depression. 41 adults with depression received 400 mg of celecoxib daily for 8 weeks. Researchers used PET scans to measure inflammation before and after treatment, and also tracked mood changes. The goal was to see if reducing inflammation improves depression symptoms.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: celecoxib (Celebrex)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward an anti-inflammatory treatment for depression, especially for patients who don't respond to standard antidepressants.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase pilot study (41 people) with no placebo group, so results may not be conclusive or generalizable. Celecoxib can cause stomach ulcers and cardiovascular risks.

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.

major depressive disorder Neuroinflammatory Diseases neuronitis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER NEUROINFLAMMATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Psychiatry Department at Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, New York, 11794-8101, United States

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