Could an arthritis drug ease depression by calming brain inflammation?
NCT ID NCT04814355
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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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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Locations
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Psychiatry Department at Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, New York, 11794-8101, United States