Could a depression drug tame COVID-19 immune overreaction?
NCT ID NCT04590222
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.
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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Locations
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CHU Bicêtre
Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94270, France