DepressionPhase 1NCT04582916
PET Imaging of Cyclooxygenase in Participants With Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
A Phase 1 study testing 11C-MCI and 11CPS13 in people with Depression, run by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Background: Researchers developed [11C]MC1, a radioligand for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 is an enzyme induced in the brain during inflammation. Researchers want to see the levels of COX-1 (measured as distribution volume VT) are elevated in the brain of two groups of mood disorders patients undergoing MDE… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 70 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Depression
- What is being tested?
- 11C-MCI and 11CPS13
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 64 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 20 Jul 2021to 11 Apr 2030
- Phase
- Phase 1
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 70 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients: In order to be eligible for this study, MDD participants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Aged 18 to 70 years old.
- Female participants of childbearing potential must be using a medically acceptable means of contraception.
- Participants must be in good general health as evidenced by medical history and physical examination.
- Each participant must have a level of understanding sufficient to agree to all required tests and examinations and sign an informed consent document.
- All participants must have undergone a screening assessment under protocol 01M0254, The Evaluation of Patients with Mood and Anxiety Disorders and Healthy Participants .
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- Participants must fulfill DSM-5 criteria for major depression (MDD) without psychotic features, as based on clinical assessment and structured diagnostic interview (SCID-P).
- Participants must have an initial score on the MADRS greater than or equal to 18 or HAM-D greater than or equal to 15 within one week of study entry.
- Participants must be experiencing an MDE lasting at least four weeks.
- Unmedicated participants in both Groups must be medication-free for at least two weeks (5 weeks for aripirazole, brexpiprazole, fluoxetine) prior to first screen visit. Medications will not be discontinued for the purpose of this study.
- Participants must have their radial artery pulse checked for the presence of adequate ulnar collateral flow and the absence of any metal or foreign objects in both wrists.
- Participants must agree to adhere to the lifestyle considerations.
- Healthy Controls: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, control subjects must meet all of the following criteria:
- Aged 18 to 70 years old.
- Female participants of childbearing potential must be using a medically acceptable means of contraception.
- Able to provide informed consent.
- Be in good general health, as evidenced by medical history and physical examination, and have no cognitive impairment.
- Be enrolled in 01M0254, The Evaluation of Participants with Mood and Anxiety Disorders and Healthy Volunteers or 17M0181, Recruitment and Characterization of Healthy Research Volunteers for NIMH Intramural Studies .
- Have their radial artery pulse checked for the presence of adequate ulnar collateral flow and the absence of any metal or foreign objects in both wrists.
- Agree to adhere to the lifestyle considerations.
Who cannot join
- Participants with MDD who meet any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
- Clinically significant abnormalities on EKG or laboratory testing. This includes CBC and acute care panel (Na, K, Cl, CO2, creatinine, glucose, urea nitrogen). Any lab value that is two-times the upper limit or even lower values in the investigator s judgment. Creatinine level >1.3 mg/dL.
- Participants must be free of all prohibited medications or at least two weeks (5 weeks for aripiprazole, brexpiprazole, fluoxetine) prior to screen visit. These medications include antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs (except for study medication celecoxib), antipsychotics, anxiolytics, psychotropic drugs not otherwise specified (including herbal products), and sedatives/hypnotics. Medicated participants in Group B may continue their therapy.
- Participants should not have taken Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)s for two weeks prior to the PET scan. Aspirin, corticosteroids (with the exception of topical steroids), or immunosuppressants (e.g. methotrexate) must not have been taken in the prior month.
- Current psychotic features or a diagnosis of schizophrenia or any other psychotic disorder as defined in the DSM-5.
- Participants with a history of DSM-5 substance use disorder (except for caffeinei or nicotine dependence) within the preceding three months. In addition, participants must not have substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder. However, alcohol or cannabis use by themselves are not exclusion criteria, unless that use impairs function of daily lfe.
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- Participants who, in the investigator s judgment, pose a current serious suicidal or homicidal risk.
- Participants who have a history of aggressive behavior towards others.
- Participants who have an unstable medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, makes participation unsafe (e.g., an active infection or untreated malignancy).
- Participants seeking treatment or a change in treatment and may be referred to the community or to another research study.
- Are unable to travel to the NIH.
- Have recent exposure to radiation related to research (e.g., PET from other research) that, when combined with this study, would be above the allowable limits.
- Have an inability to lie flat and/or lie still on the camera bed for at least two hours, including claustrophobia, overweight greater than the maximum for the scanner, and uncontrollable behavioral symptoms, which will be screened by an interview with the participant during the screening visit.
- Are unable to have an MRI scan (e.g., because of pacemakers or other implanted electrical devices, brain stimulators, dental implants, aneurysm clips (metal clips on the wall of a large artery), metallic prostheses (including metal pins and rods, heart valves, and cochlear implants), permanent eyeliner, implanted delivery pumps, shrapnel fragments, or metal fragments in the eye.
- Pregnancy.
- HIV Infection.
- Be NIMH staff or an NIH employee who is a subordinate/relative/co-worker of the investigators.
- Healthy controls who meet any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
- Clinically significant abnormalities on EKG or laboratory testing. This includes CBC and acute care panel (Na, K, Cl, CO2, creatinine, glucose, urea nitrogen).
- Participants must be free of all prohibited medications or at least two weeks (5 weeks for aripiprazole, brexpiprazole, fluoxetine) prior to screen visit. These medications include antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs (except for study medication celecoxib), antipsychotics, anxiolytics, psychotropic drugs not otherwise specified (including herbal products), and sedatives/hypnotics.
- Participants should not have taken NSAIDs for two weeks prior to the PET scan. Aspirin, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants (e.g. methotrexate) must not have been taken in the prior month.
- Participants with a history of DSM-5 substance use disorder (except for caffeine or nicotine dependence) within the preceding three months. In addition, participants must not have substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder. However, alcohol or cannabis use by themselves are not exclusion criteria, unless that use impairs function of daily life.
- Participants who have an unstable medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, makes participation unsafe (e.g., an active infection or untreated malignancy).
- Are unable to travel to the NIH.
- Have recent exposure to radiation related to research (e.g., PET from other research) that, when combined with this study, would be above the allowable limits.
- Have an inability to lie flat and/or lie still on the camera bed for at least two hours, including claustrophobia, overweight greater than the maximum for the scanner, and uncontrollable behavioral symptoms, which will be screened by an interview with the participant during the screening visit.
- Are unable to have an MRI scan (e.g., because of pacemakers or other implanted electrical devices, brain stimulators, dental implants, aneurysm clips (metal clips on the wall of a large artery), metallic prostheses (including metal pins and rods, heart valves, and cochlear implants), permanent eyeliner, implanted delivery pumps, shrapnel fragments, or metal fragments in the eye.
- Pregnancy.
- HIV Infection.
- Be NIMH staff or an NIH employee who is a subordinate/relative/co-worker of the investigators.
- Because this protocol has more than minimal risk from radiation exposure without possibility of direct benefit, inclusion of children is not appropriate.
- Pregnant women will be excluded because this protocol involves exposure to ionizing radiation. Lactating women will be excluded because radioisotopes may be excreted in milk.
- Persons with HIV infection are excluded because HIV infection itself may cause neuroinflammation, and we wish to specifically study the effect of depression on neuroinflammation.
- Non-English-speaking participants will be excluded from participation in this study because neuropsychological testing is required by this protocol. This testing, which is critical for interpreting study results, has not been validated in other languages or when using a translator.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20892
For more information at the NIH Clinical Center contact Office of Patient Recruitment (OPR), 800-411-1222 ext. TTY8664111010, prpl@cc.nih.gov
About this study
Background:
Researchers developed [11C]MC1, a radioligand for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 is an enzyme induced in the brain during inflammation. Researchers want to see the levels of COX-1 (measured as distribution volume VT) are elevated in the brain of two groups of mood disorders patients undergoing MDE relative to the control group.
Read more
Objective:
To determine whether COX-1 and COX-2 are detectable in the brains of individuals with MDD experiencing a major depressive episode (MDE).
Eligibility:
People aged 18-70 years with MDD and Healthy Volunteers aged 18 70 years.
Design:
Group A: MDD participants will be studied with the same dose of [11C]MC1 before and after administration of 600 mg celecoxib; the study is neither randomized nor placebo-controlled. Group B: MDD participants, both medicated and unmedicated, will be studied with [11C]PS13 and compared to healthy volunteers..
https://nimhcontent.nimh.nih.gov/start/surveys/?s=TJW4RA4WN3LDD988
Read the detailed description
Study Description: This study will examine whether cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are detectable in the brain of individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD).
Objectives: Primary Objective: To determine whether COX-1 and COX-2 are detectable in the brains of individuals with MDD experiencing a major depressive episode (MDE).
Endpoints: Primary Endpoints: Group A - Calculation of COX-2 density from [11C]MC1 PET scans, using baseline scans and scans after blockade with celecoxib. Group B - Calculation of the density of COX-1 using [11C]PS13
Secondary Endpoints, common to both groups:
- the relationship between peripheral markers of inflammation and COX binding;
- the relationship between clinical rating scales and COX binding
- Conditions
- Depression
- Being tested
- 11C-MCI, 11CPS13
- Keywords
- PET Imaging, Inflammation, Cyclooxygenase-2, Depression
- Medical subject headings
- Depression, Inflammation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
11C-MCIDrug
Injected IV followed by PET scanning
11CPS13Drug
Injected IV followed by PET scanning
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| One Arm | Other | All subject receive the same tests Receives: Drug: 11C-MCI; Drug: 11CPS13 |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Measure the concentration of radioligands
Tracer binding level
Measured: 36 months
Secondary outcomes (2)
measure peripheral markers of inflammation and COX binding
Assess the severity of depression and/or anxiety
Measured: 36 months
measure clinical rating scales and COX binding
Assess the severity of depression and/or anxiety
Measured: 36 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted12 Oct 2020
- Study start20 Jul 2021
- Primary completion3 Oct 2029 (estimated)
- Study completion11 Apr 2030 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for DepressionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)The sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 1
- Primary purpose
- Diagnosis
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 64 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Sponsor type
- US National Institutes of Health
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Robert B Innis, M.D., Principal investigator, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04582916
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 200157
- Other IDs
- 20-M-0157
- Status last verified
- 14 Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 9 Oct 2020
- Last updated
- 18 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- Yes
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- PET Imaging of Cyclooxygenase in Participants With Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04582916
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 200157
- Conditions
- Depression
- Keywords
- PET Imaging, Inflammation, Cyclooxygenase-2, Depression
- Phase
- Phase 1
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 64 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)US National Institutes of Health
- Study start
- 20 Jul 2021 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 3 Oct 2029 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 11 Apr 2030 (estimated)
- First posted
- 12 Oct 2020 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Background:
Researchers developed [11C]MC1, a radioligand for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 is an enzyme induced in the brain during inflammation. Researchers want to see the levels of COX-1 (measured as distribution volume VT) are elevated in the brain of two groups of mood disorders patients undergoing MDE relative to the control group.
Objective:
To determine whether COX-1 and COX-2 are detectable in the brains of individuals with MDD experiencing a major depressive episode (MDE).
Eligibility:
People aged 18-70 years with MDD and Healthy Volunteers aged 18 70 years.
Design:
Group A: MDD participants will be studied with the same dose of [11C]MC1 before and after administration of 600 mg celecoxib; the study is neither randomized nor placebo-controlled. Group B: MDD participants, both medicated and unmedicated, will be studied with [11C]PS13 and compared to healthy volunteers..
https://nimhcontent.nimh.nih.gov/start/surveys/?s=TJW4RA4WN3LDD988
Detailed description
Study Description: This study will examine whether cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are detectable in the brain of individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD).
Objectives: Primary Objective: To determine whether COX-1 and COX-2 are detectable in the brains of individuals with MDD experiencing a major depressive episode (MDE).
Endpoints: Primary Endpoints: Group A - Calculation of COX-2 density from [11C]MC1 PET scans, using baseline scans and scans after blockade with celecoxib. Group B - Calculation of the density of COX-1 using [11C]PS13
Secondary Endpoints, common to both groups:
- the relationship between peripheral markers of inflammation and COX binding;
- the relationship between clinical rating scales and COX binding
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Diagnosis
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| One Arm | Other | Drug: 11C-MCI, Drug: 11CPS13All subject receive the same tests |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (20 listed)
- Patients: In order to be eligible for this study, MDD participants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Aged 18 to 70 years old.
- Female participants of childbearing potential must be using a medically acceptable means of contraception.
- Participants must be in good general health as evidenced by medical history and physical examination.
- Each participant must have a level of understanding sufficient to agree to all required tests and examinations and sign an informed consent document.
Key exclusion criteria (34 listed)
- Participants with MDD who meet any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
- Clinically significant abnormalities on EKG or laboratory testing. This includes CBC and acute care panel (Na, K, Cl, CO2, creatinine, glucose, urea nitrogen). Any lab value that is two-times the upper limit or even lower values in the investigator s judgment. Creatinine level >1.3 mg/dL.
- Participants must be free of all prohibited medications or at least two weeks (5 weeks for aripiprazole, brexpiprazole, fluoxetine) prior to screen visit. These medications include antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs (except for study medication celecoxib), antipsychotics, anxiolytics, psychotropic drugs not otherwise specified (including herbal products), and sedatives/hypnotics. Medicated participants in Group B may continue their therapy.
- Participants should not have taken Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)s for two weeks prior to the PET scan. Aspirin, corticosteroids (with the exception of topical steroids), or immunosuppressants (e.g. methotrexate) must not have been taken in the prior month.
- Current psychotic features or a diagnosis of schizophrenia or any other psychotic disorder as defined in the DSM-5.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| 11C-MCIInjected IV followed by PET scanning | Drug | One Arm |
| 11CPS13Injected IV followed by PET scanning | Drug | One Arm |
Primary outcome
Measure the concentration of radioligands
Time frame: 36 months
Tracer binding level
2 secondary outcomes
measure peripheral markers of inflammation and COX binding
Time frame: 36 months
measure clinical rating scales and COX binding
Time frame: 36 months
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 Aug 2026.
- NIH Clinical Center Detailed Web PageLink provided by the sponsor.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Robert B Innis, M.D. principal investigator
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 1 study testing 11C-MCI and 11CPS13 in people with Depression, run by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 20 inclusion and 34 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 1 studies test a treatment in a small group of people for the first time or in a new way, mainly to check safety and find the right dose.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Tara N Turon, C.R.N.P. ((301) 827-6599, tara.turon@nih.gov), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Measure the concentration of radioligands (time frame: 36 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Aug 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.