New depression pill shows promise in Mid-Stage trial
NCT ID NCT07226661
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a new drug called SPN-821 can help adults with major depressive disorder who are already taking an antidepressant. About 230 participants will receive either SPN-821 or a placebo for 29 days. The main goal is to see if the drug reduces depression symptoms more than placebo.
Why investors are watching
Supernus Pharmaceuticals runs a phase 2 trial of SPN-821 as an add-on treatment for adults with major depressive disorder. The trial tests whether the drug eases symptoms compared with placebo in 230 participants. For a small company, a clear result on a psychiatric drug can shape whether the program moves forward or stops.
If it works: A positive result could support advancing SPN-821 into later-stage testing and give Supernus a new asset in its pipeline. That outcome may draw interest from partners or prescribers.
If it fails: A failed or inconclusive result could end the program or force Supernus to redesign the study, which costs time and money. Most phase 2 trials do not succeed, and depression trials often struggle to show a drug beats placebo.
AI-written from the trial record. Speculative, and not investment advice.
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 230 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2026
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
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 70 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: * Current diagnosis of MDD according to the DSM-5 for either single or recurrent MDE without psychotic features confirmed by the MINI * Duration of current MDE of at least 8 weeks * MADRS total score of ≥ 24 at the Screening Visit and Day 1 Visit * CGI-S score of ≥ 4 (moderately ill or worse) at the Screening Visit and Day 1 Visit * Stable, therapeutic dose of one of the following protocol-approved ADTs as a monotherapy for ≥ 8 weeks before the Screening Visit and ≥ 10 weeks at the Day 1 Visit. Additionally, inadequate response to the current ADT (less than 50% improvement in depressive symptoms) as confirmed by the ATRQ Investigator administered. Exclusion Criteria: * MADRS total score change of ≥ 25% from the Screening Visit to Day 1 Visit * History of treatment resistant depression (TRD) defined as 3 or more failed ADTs of adequate dose (per ATRQ) and duration (at least 8 weeks) for the current MDE * History of alcohol or substance use disorder according to DSM-5 criteria 6 months before the Screening Visit * Evidence of significant risk for suicidal behavior during participation in the study in the Investigator's opinion * Lifetime diagnosis of any psychotic disorder including MDD with psychosis, MDD with mixed features, bipolar I/II disorder, bipolar depression, schizophrenia, posttraumatic stress disorder, autism spectrum disorder, or any personality disorder or intellectual disability that would affect the ability of the participant to enroll in the study * Diagnosis less then 12 months before screening of severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, acute stress disorder, panic disorder, eating disorders, or any other psychiatric condition that has been the primary focus of treatment, or diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder less then 6 months before screening. * History of cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, hepatic, and hematologic disorders, or other medical disorders that could impose undue risk or compromise the study in the Investigator's opinion * Clinically significant abnormal result prior to Day 1 Visit per Investigator's judgment or abnormal renal function. * Requires treatment with a medication or other substance that is prohibited by the protocol.
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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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Collaborative Neuroscience Network
RECRUITINGGarden Grove, California, 92845, United States
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