Could an arthritis drug lift the fog of Treatment-Resistant depression?

NCT ID NCT07052058

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether a single infusion of tocilizumab, a drug that blocks the inflammatory molecule IL-6, can reduce depressive symptoms in 32 adults with treatment-resistant major depression. Participants must have high inflammation levels (CRP ≥3 mg/L) and will receive either the drug or a placebo. The study aims to see if targeting inflammation can help when standard antidepressants fail.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: tocilizumab
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new anti-inflammatory option for people with depression that hasn't responded to standard treatments.
What could go wrong: This is a very small early-phase trial with only 32 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drug also carries risks like infection and allergic reactions.

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.

TREATMENT-RESISTANT MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre

Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

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