Scientists peek inside brain to unlock Ketamine's rapid Mood-Boosting secret

NCT ID NCT06788249

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 05, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study aims to understand how ketamine produces rapid antidepressant effects by using a special brain scan (GluCEST) to measure changes in glutamate, a key brain chemical. Ten adults with treatment-resistant depression will receive a single ketamine infusion and undergo imaging before and after. Mood changes will also be tracked. The goal is to identify the brain mechanism behind ketamine's fast action, which could lead to better, longer-lasting depression treatments.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: ketamine
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward new antidepressant drugs that work faster and last longer by targeting the same brain mechanism.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-phase study with only 10 people, so results may not apply widely. The imaging technique is new and may not clearly show the expected changes.

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

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD)

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Pennsylvania
RECRUITING

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

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