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NMDA Receptor Antagonist

Ketamine + Midazolam for Depression (UNIKET Trial)

Phase 2
Recruiting
Research Sponsored by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Male or female subjects, 18-65 years of age and body weight less than or equal to 120 kg on baseline visit
For MDD: Subjects must meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for current unipolar depression [major depressive disorder (MDD) or persistent depressive disorder (PDD) in a current major depressive episode (MDE)] based on MINI
Must not have
Must not be on any prohibited concomitant medication
Any unstable medical illnesses including hepatic, renal, gastroenterologic, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrinologic, immunologic, or hematologic disease
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up baseline, at 14 days
Awards & highlights

Summary

This trial is looking at how different drugs affect people with depression who also have problems with irritability.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults aged 18-65 with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who can undergo MRI scans and are willing to receive ketamine or midazolam infusions. Healthy controls without psychiatric conditions can also participate. All must understand English, not be on certain medications, agree to use contraception, and not have a high risk of substance abuse or suicidal behavior.
What is being tested?
The study examines brain function related to irritability in people with MDD using MRIs before and after administering either ketamine or midazolam. It aims to identify how these treatments affect the neurocircuitry associated with irritability compared to healthy individuals.
What are the potential side effects?
Ketamine may cause disorientation, dizziness, nausea, increased blood pressure, mood changes, and hallucinations. Midazolam might lead to sleepiness, memory issues, slow breathing rate especially if combined with other sedatives or alcohol.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I am between 18 and 65 years old and weigh 120 kg or less.
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I have been diagnosed with major depression or persistent depressive disorder.
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I am a man who will use birth control and not donate sperm while on the trial.
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I agree to have brain scans and receive drug infusions for my depression study.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I am not taking any medications that are not allowed in the study.
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I do not have any unstable illnesses affecting my organs or immune system.
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My sleep apnea is not fully treated.
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I am currently pregnant, nursing, or might become pregnant.
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My recent tests or heart checks did not show any major issues.
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I have a serious brain condition like Parkinson's, seizures, brain tumors, or major head injury.
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I am not allergic to ketamine or midazolam.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~up to 14 days
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and up to 14 days for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Resting state functional connectivity.
Striatal response to frustrative nonreward (FNR).
Treatment-related change in striatal response to FNR.
+1 more
Secondary study objectives
Acute behavioral changes measured by Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS)
Change in behavior (including anger attacks) measured by AAQ
Change in patient reported side effects measured by PRISE Adverse Event scores
+5 more
Other study objectives
Body Weight Changes

Trial Design

3Treatment groups
Active Control
Placebo Group
Group I: Healthy ControlsActive Control1 Intervention
Healthy controls will undergo clinician assessments and fMRI to compare to MDD group.
Group II: MDD - KetamineActive Control1 Intervention
Participants with MDD who have completed all baseline assessments including pre-treatment fMRI scan randomly allocated to receive four ketamine infusions.
Group III: MDD - MidazolamPlacebo Group1 Intervention
Participants with MDD who have completed all baseline assessments including pre-treatment fMRI scan randomly allocated to receive four midazolam infusions.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterLead Sponsor
1,072 Previous Clinical Trials
1,056,082 Total Patients Enrolled
46 Trials studying Depression
19,221 Patients Enrolled for Depression

Media Library

Ketamine Hydrochloride (NMDA Receptor Antagonist) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT05046184 — Phase 2
Depression Research Study Groups: MDD - Midazolam, Healthy Controls, MDD - Ketamine
Depression Clinical Trial 2023: Ketamine Hydrochloride Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT05046184 — Phase 2
Ketamine Hydrochloride (NMDA Receptor Antagonist) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT05046184 — Phase 2
Depression Patient Testimony for trial: Trial Name: NCT05046184 — Phase 2
~79 spots leftby Aug 2026