Can ketamine keep suicidal depression at bay? new trial aims to find out
NCT ID NCT05450432
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether long-term use of ketamine (given by IV) followed by esketamine (a nasal spray) can reduce suicide risk in people with major depression who are at high risk. One hundred adults hospitalized for depression will receive up to 8 ketamine infusions, then 13 weekly esketamine treatments. Researchers will track how well patients stay in the study, side effects, and changes in depression and suicidal thoughts.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
ketamine and esketamine
What this could lead to
If successful, this could provide a long-term treatment option to reduce suicide risk in people with severe depression.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with no control group, so results may not be conclusive. Side effects and tolerability are key concerns.
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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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Massachusetts General Hospital
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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