Can ketamine keep suicidal depression at bay? new trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT05450432

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

Depression major depressive disorder Suicidal Ideation

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Email: •••••@•••••
Contact

Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Massachusetts General Hospital
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

Contact Email: •••••@•••••

Contact Email: •••••@•••••

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