Gut bacteria may lift depression — a trial puts it to the test

NCT ID NCT07728253

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: IBIOME BIOTECHNOLOGY CO., LTD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This trial tests whether a probiotic called IBNI617 can reduce depression symptoms in adults with moderate to severe major depressive disorder. Participants take either the probiotic or a placebo capsule twice daily for 8 weeks. The study measures changes in depression scores and tracks any side effects.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: a live biotherapeutic product called IBNI617, taken as a capsule twice daily
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new gut-based treatment for depression that avoids standard antidepressant side effects.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase trial with only 148 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The probiotic may not outperform placebo, and gut-related side effects are possible.

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.

major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

IBNI617 MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Shanghai Mental Health Center

Shanghai, China

More trials for these conditions

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