Can a common amino acid make TMS work better for depression?
NCT ID NCT06876129
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether taking D-serine (an amino acid) before transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can improve depression symptoms more than TMS alone. Sixty adults with major depressive disorder will receive either D-serine or a placebo before TMS sessions for six weeks. The goal is to see if the combination leads to greater mood improvement.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- D-serine
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a more effective way to treat depression by combining a brain-stimulation therapy with a drug that boosts brain plasticity.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early Phase 1 trial with only 60 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The drug may cause side effects or not improve depression beyond standard TMS.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
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About 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 2025
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of MDD * English-speaking * Adults aged 18-80 * Must be able to swallow capsules Relative contraindications/possible exclusion criteria: * Containing any implanted metal or devices * Current or previous seizure history * Active substance use that may significantly alter the seizure threshold Any further safety clearances, and outpatient consultation opinions that are necessitated based on the answers to the screening will be obtained prior to moving forward with the study, as an already established practice within the clinic practice. In addition, any relative contraindications will be further reviewed according to Rossi et al.'s most updated safety guidelines for TMS. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with pre-existing renal disease * Known allergy to D-serine, or with * Patients taking medications with known drug-drug interactions * Children * Pregnant or breast-feeding women The investigators will not include children because prior safety and dosing studies excluded children. Although considered safe for TMS, the investigators will not include pregnant or breast-feeding women on the basis of unknown safety profile of exogenous D-serine for these patients.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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McLean Hospital
RECRUITINGBelmont, Massachusetts, 02478, United States
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