New hope for Hard-to-Treat depression in seniors: esketamine spray vs aripiprazole

NCT ID NCT07153406

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Fundación Pública Andaluza para la gestión de la Investigación en Sevilla Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study compares two add-on treatments—esketamine nasal spray and aripiprazole pills—for older adults (60-74) whose depression hasn't improved with standard antidepressants. Around 220 participants will receive either esketamine once or twice weekly or daily aripiprazole, alongside their current medication. The goal is to see which approach better reduces depressive symptoms and is safer over 32 weeks.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Esketamine nasal spray (flexible doses 28-84 mg) and oral aripiprazole (5-30 mg daily)
What this could lead to: If esketamine works better than aripiprazole, it could offer a new, fast-acting option for older adults with hard-to-treat depression.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase 3 trial with no results yet. Esketamine may cause side effects like dizziness or dissociation, and the benefit over existing treatments is not guaranteed.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for DEPRESSIVE DISORDER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

depressive disorder major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Centro Sociosanitario Hermanas Hospitalarias de Palencia

Palencia, 34004, Spain
Clínica Psiquiátrica Padre Menni

Pamplona, Navarre, 31014, Spain
Corporacion Sanitaria Parc Tauli

Sabadell, 08208, Spain
Hospital Benito Menni y Fidmag Hermanas Hospitalarias

Barcelona, 08830, Spain
Hospital De La Santa Creu i Sant Pau

Barcelona, 08041, Spain
Hospital Mare de Déu de La Mercè

Barcelona, 08042, Spain
Hospital Sagrat Cor. Martorell

Barcelona, 08760, Spain
Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio

Seville, 41013, Spain
Hospital Vall d'Hebron

Barcelona, 08014, Spain

More trials for these conditions

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