New depression pill zelquistinel passes first safety check in humans
NCT ID NCT04981561
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-stage trial tested the safety of a single dose of zelquistinel, an experimental drug for major depressive disorder, in 68 healthy adults. Researchers monitored side effects and how the drug moves through the body. Since it was a Phase 1 study, it focused on safety and dosing, not on treating depression.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- zelquistinel
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a new oral medication for major depressive disorder.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early Phase 1 safety study in healthy people, not patients. It does not test if the drug works for depression, and many drugs fail at this stage.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
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