Could a depression drug tame COVID-19 immune overreaction?

NCT ID NCT04590222

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This completed study tested whether phenelzine, a drug used for depression, could change how immune cells behave in people with COVID-19. Researchers took blood samples from 51 patients and exposed the cells to phenelzine in the lab. The goal was to see if the drug could reduce overactive immune responses, but this was a basic science study, not a treatment trial.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: phenelzine
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward ways to modulate the immune system in COVID-19, but it is a very early, small study focused on lab findings, not a treatment.
What could go wrong: This is a tiny, completed lab study with only 51 participants. It only looked at blood samples in a dish, not actual treatment in patients. Results may not lead to any real-world therapy.

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.

COVID-19

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SARS-COV2 INFECTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

CHU Bicêtre

Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94270, France

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