Could an arthritis drug ease depression in Ex-Football players?

NCT ID NCT07608796

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Emory University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether baricitinib, an anti-inflammatory drug, can improve depression and cognitive symptoms in 30 male former football players aged 40-55 with at least 10 years of play. Participants take the drug every other week for 6 weeks, and researchers use brain scans and motivation tasks to measure changes. The goal is to understand how inflammation affects these symptoms.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Baricitinib (Olumiant), an oral drug that blocks inflammation
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new treatment for depression and cognitive issues linked to inflammation in former football players.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 30 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Baricitinib has side effects like increased infection risk.

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 depression Depression Inflammation major depressive disorder Neurobehavioral Manifestations

As listed by the trial registrant

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

COGNITIVE SYMPTOM DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Emory Clinic, Emory University Hospital

Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
Emory School Of Medicine

Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, United States

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