NCT06400121 · Rebecca Price
Apimostinel + Automated Neurocognitive Training for Depression
What this study is about
Apimostinel shows initial promise as a novel rapid-acting antidepressant medication with minimal side effects or safety concerns. Cognitive Training (CT) is a digital intervention that has shown promise in extending the durability of another similar drug (ketamine). This randomly assigned controlled trial will test the effectiveness and safety of apimostinel (vs.
View original scientific description
Apimostinel shows initial promise as a novel rapid-acting antidepressant medication with minimal side effects or safety concerns. Cognitive Training (CT) is a digital intervention that has shown promise in extending the durability of another similar drug (ketamine). This randomized controlled trial will test the efficacy and safety of apimostinel (vs. placebo) for the acute treatment of depression, and will test the potential of CT to enhance and/or extend the durability of apimostinel's antidepressant effect.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Participants of any gender are eligible
- Aged 18 to 60 years
- Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD)
- MADRS score ≥ 20 at screening
- Score \>1SD above the normative mean on the Cognitive Triad Inventory (CTI) "self" subscale \*OR\
- \<1SD below the normative mean on the Rosenberg self-esteem scale
- Participants of childbearing potential with a negative serum pregnancy test prior to entry into the study and who are practicing an adequate method of birth control (eg oral or parenteral contraceptives, intrauterine device, barrier, abstinence) and who do not plan to become pregnant during the course of the study. Participants may be included without a negative serum pregnancy test if they are surgically sterile or at least 2 years post- menopausal. Participants who could impregnate a sexual partner should use an acceptable method of birth control during the study, from the day of dosing to 28 days following dose.
- Participants who could impregnate a partner and their sexual partner of childbearing potential should use an acceptable method of birth control during the study, from day of dosing to 28 days following dose.
- Clinical laboratory values \< 1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) or deemed not clinically significant per the investigator
- Ability to understand the requirements of the study, provide written informed consent, abide by the study restrictions, and agree to return for the required assessments
- Based on the investigator's clinical judgment, participants with eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and generalized anxiety disorders secondary to major depressive episodes are permitted.
Exclusion criteria
- Presence of lifetime bipolar, psychotic, or autism spectrum; or current problematic, moderate-to-severe substance use disorder
- Use of a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) within 28 days of infusion date
- Huntington's, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis, or a history of strokes or with one or more seizures without a clear and resolved etiology
- Currently hospitalized or residing in an in-patient facility during the study participation
- Acute suicidality or other psychiatric crises requiring treatment escalation, using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) as both an initial exclusion criteria (C-SSRS "Baseline/Screening" Version for past 1-month period) and as grounds for rescue/removal (C-SSRS "Since Last Visit" form). Participants with C-SSRS suicide ideation scores scored "yes" on items 4 (active suicidal ideation with some intent to act) and/or 5 (active suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent) will be excluded from the study, and if enrolled, will be exited from the study and referred immediately to the nearest emergency mental health facility for additional thorough assessment and appropriate treatment referral.
- Changes made to treatment regimen within 28 days of drug infusion (Day 0)
- Reading level \<6th grade as per patient self-report
- Serious, unstable medical illnesses including respiratory \[obstructive sleep apnea, or history of difficulty with airway management during previous anesthetics\], cardiovascular \[including ischemic heart disease and uncontrolled hypertension\], and neurologic \[including history of severe head injury diagnoses.
- Clinically significant abnormal findings of laboratory parameters \[including urine toxicology screen for drugs of abuse\], physical examination, or ECG.
- Uncontrolled or poorly controlled hypertension, as determined by the study physician's review of vitals collected during screening and any other relevant medical history/records.
- Patient has clinically significant renal dysfunction as assessed by the estimated glomerular filtration rate \<70 mL/min using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration -creatinine methodology.
- Patient has liver enzyme test results \>2 times the upper limit of normal.
- Patient has resting heart rate (supine) \<60 or \>100 bpm at the Screening Visit or Pre-Dose Baseline, in the absence of an etiology that, in the judgment of the investigator, is related to exceptionally good cardiovascular fitness.
- Patient has PR interval \>250 msec at the Screening Visit or Pre-Dose Baseline
- Patients starting hormonal treatment (e.g., estrogen) in the 3 months prior to Screening.
- Patients taking medications with known activity at the NMDA or AMPA glutamate receptor \[e.g., riluzole, amantadine, memantine, topiramate, dextromethorphan (including AuvelityTM), D-cycloserine, ketamine or esketamine\], or the mu-opioid receptor.
- Patients taking any of the following medications: St John's Wort, theophylline, tramadol, metrizamide.
- Patients who have received ECT in the past 6 months prior to Screening.
- Patients currently receiving treatment with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) or repetitive transcranial stimulation (rTMS).
- Participation in any clinical trial of an investigational product or device within 30 days of enrollment in this trial
- Positive screen for unreported drugs of abuse, including: cocaine, PCP, opioid or other agent that in the opinion of the investigator is being abused. Positive marijuana screen is not exclusionary if use is consistent with clinical diagnostic interview findings and is seen in the absence of a moderate-to-severe substance use disorder.
- Participants or sexual partners of participants who are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the course of the study
- Participants who are breastfeeding
- History of allergy, sensitivity, or intolerance to apimostinel, zelquistinel, NMDAR ligands including ketamine,dextromethorphan, memantine, methadone, dextropropoxyphene, or ketobemidone.
Where
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 24, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations