Could an arthritis drug tame OCD? new study investigates
NCT ID NCT04786548
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib (Celebrex) can reduce obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms in adults who are already on medication but still struggling. Researchers will use brain scans and blood tests to measure inflammation and see if it predicts who benefits. The trial aims to enroll 21 people and is currently on hold.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- celecoxib (Celebrex)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new way to treat OCD by reducing brain inflammation, especially for people who don't respond well to current medications.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial that is currently suspended, so results are uncertain. The drug may not reduce OCD symptoms, and side effects from celecoxib are possible.
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 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 21 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 2021
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2026
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 55 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: * 18 to 55 years old * Principal diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) * Ongoing OCD symptoms despite current treatment with psychiatric medication * Capacity to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Psychiatric comorbidities that would increase risk of participation or impact research measures (e.g., suicidality) * Medical or neurological conditions that would increase risk of participation or impact research measures * Contraindications to an MRI or PET scan (e.g., metal implants) * Current use of medications that may interact with study drug or impact research measures (e.g., antipsychotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressant medications, or daily non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications) * Starting a new evidence-based therapy for OCD (e.g., exposure with response prevention) 4 weeks prior to study enrollment
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Obsessive - compulsive disorder are added.
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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
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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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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New York State Psychiatric Institute
New York, New York, 10032, United States
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