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Could a common antibiotic and supplement lift bipolar depression?

NCT ID NCT02719392

Terminated Symptom relief Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026

Summary

This pilot study asks whether the antibiotic minocycline, the supplement N-acetylcysteine (NAC), or both together can ease depression in people with bipolar disorder. Participants continue their usual mood stabilizer while receiving one of the treatments or a placebo. The goal is to see if these agents, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, can fill a gap in treating bipolar depression.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
minocycline and N-acetylcysteine
What this could lead to
If effective, this could point toward a new, readily available treatment option for bipolar depression, an area with few current therapies.
What could go wrong
This is a small pilot study, so results may not be definitive. Side effects from minocycline (an antibiotic) or NAC are possible, and the combination may not outperform placebo.

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 bipolar disorder bipolar I disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BIPOLAR DEPRESSION BIPOLAR DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.