Scientists peek inside brain to unlock Ketamine's rapid Mood-Boosting secret
NCT ID NCT06788249
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
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.
Disclaimer
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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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Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of Pennsylvania
RECRUITINGPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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