NCT07276997 · AbbVie
A Study to Assess Change in Disease Activity and Adverse Events of Oral Icalcaprant in Adult Participants With Major Depressive Disorder
What this study is about
Major depressive disorder (MDD; depression) is a mood disorder that causes a continued feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It is a common and serious illness that can cause both emotional and physical symptoms such as feelings of sadness, irritability, not being able to focus on activities, tiredness, changes in eating habits, and aches and pains.
View original scientific description
Major depressive disorder (MDD; depression) is a mood disorder that causes a continued feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It is a common and serious illness that can cause both emotional and physical symptoms such as feelings of sadness, irritability, not being able to focus on activities, tiredness, changes in eating habits, and aches and pains. This study will assess the changes in disease activity and adverse events of oral Icalcaprant in adult participants with major depressive disorder who are currently experiencing a major depressive episode (MDE). Icalcaprant is an investigational drug being developed for the treatment of depressive episodes in adult participants with major depressive disorder. Participants are placed in 1 of 3 groups, called treatment arms. There is a 1 in 3 chance that a participant will be assigned to placebo treatment. Around 195 adult participant with major depressive disorder will be enrolled in approximately 35 sites in North America. Participants will receive oral capsules of Icalcaprant or matching placebo once daily for 6 weeks, with a 30-day safety follow-up. There may be a higher treatment burden for participants in this trial compared to their standard of care. Participants will attend regular visits during the study at a hospital or clinic. The effect of the treatment will be checked by medical assessments, blood tests, checking for side effects and completing questionnaires.
Interventions
DRUG
Icalcaprant
Oral Capsules
DRUG
Placebo for Icalcaprant
Oral Capsules
Primary outcome measures
Change from Baseline in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score.
Time frame: Up to approximately 6 weeks
Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) The MADRS is a 10-item, clinician-rated scale that evaluates the participant's depressive symptomatology during the past week. Participants are to be rated on items assessing feelings of sadness, lassitude, pessimism, inner tension, suicidality, reduced sleep or appetite, difficulty in concentration, and lack of interest. Each item will be scored on a 7-point scale with a score of 0 reflecting no symptoms and a score of 6 reflecting symptoms of maximum severity.
Number of Participants with Adverse Events (AEs)
Time frame: Up to approximately 10 weeks
An adverse event (AE) is defined as any untoward medical occurrence in a patient or clinical investigation participant administered a pharmaceutical product which does not necessarily have a causal relationship with this treatment. The investigator assesses the relationship of each event to the use of study.
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 with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) without psychotic features, confirmed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) 7.0.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) is ≥ 18.0 to ≤ 35.0 kg/m\^2
- Currently experiencing an major depressive episode (MDE) beginning at least 4 weeks prior to consent and not exceeding 6 months prior to Screening
- Normal physical examination findings, clinical laboratory test results, vital signs, and 12-lead ECG results at Visit 1 or abnormal results that are judged not clinically significant by the investigator and documented as such in the eCRF.
Exclusion criteria
- Has failed (no more than 25% response on Antidepressant Treatment History Questionnaire (ATRQ)) 3 or more antidepressant treatments during the current depressive episode despite an adequate dose (per ATRQ) and duration (at least 6 weeks).
- History of an allergic reaction or significant sensitivity to constituents of the study drug (and its excipients) and/or other products in the same class.
Where
- Dothan, Alabama
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Anaheim, California
- Imperial, California
- Lemon Grove, California
- Long Beach, California
- Sherman Oaks, California
- Temecula, California
- Walnut Creek, California
- Hollywood, Florida
- Jacksonville, Florida
And 18 more locations — see the full list below.
Related conditions & keywords
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 Jun 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations