Could a brain steroid lift depression in HIV patients?

NCT ID NCT05570812

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

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether a pill called pregnenolone can help reduce depression in people with HIV. Participants take either the study drug or a placebo for 8 weeks while staying on their current antidepressants. Researchers will use brain scans and mood questionnaires to see if the drug improves brain function and inflammation.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: pregnenolone
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for depression in people living with HIV.
What could go wrong: This is an early phase 2 trial with only 120 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The drug may not improve depression more than a 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.

Depression HIV infectious disease major depressive disorder mixed anxiety and depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANXIETY DEPRESSION HIV MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact

Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Massachusetts General Hospital
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

Contact

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