Could an antibiotic ease depression in people with obesity?
NCT ID NCT06537921
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether minocycline, an antibiotic that reduces inflammation, can help people who have both obesity and depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. Researchers will test if this approach is practical and acceptable for 35 participants. The goal is to gather information for a larger future study.
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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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 35 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2024
- Expected to finish
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Sep 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 65 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.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Sufficient communication skills to understand the intervention and complete the assessments. * Able to give informed consent. * Treatment resistant depressed (i.e., non-responders to current antidepressant treatment, for at least 6-weeks AND at least one other previous antidepressant). * Tolerant to the current antidepressant. * Able to undergo 2 MRI scans. * Accepting augmentation with minocycline. * CRP \>3mg/L at screening. * No plans to change current therapy for the duration of participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Active suicidal ideation. * Current primary diagnosis of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. * Have an acute infection or an autoimmune disorder, because of both the rare but described association between minocycline and systemic lupus erythematosus, and the potential confounder effects of these conditions on immune biomarkers. * Alcohol misuse disorder or drug addiction. * Neurological disorders (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's). * Current serious cardiovascular problems. * Have acne or psoriasis. * Currently taking any antibiotic, immunosuppressive medication, or warfarin. * Taken any tetracycline within the last month. * Currently taking Lithium or retinoids (Acitretin, Alitretinoin, Isotretinoin). * Refuse that we contact their GP to inform them about their participation. * \[OPTIONAL - if not met, cannot undergo the MRI\] Has any metal implants in their body such as pacemakers, dental fillings, IUD device (if applicable), or had any accidents where metal fragments might have entered the body or eye. * Pregnant or breastfeeding * Have a positive pregnancy test before starting the study/are unwilling to take a pregnancy test and are unwilling to agree to use an acceptable form of contraceptive throughout the study period (e.g., condoms, intrauterine device (IUD)/intrauterine system (IUS), injection, patch, ring). Female participants who use combined oral contraceptives as their main form of birth control will need to use an additional barrier method for the duration of treatment and for 7 days following completion of treatment. * Are currently participating in another Clinical Trial of Investigational Medicinal Product (CTIMP).
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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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King's College London
RECRUITINGLondon, SE5 9RT, United Kingdom
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