ANTIVIRAL TREATMENT OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS IN DEPRESSION
Status:
Not yet recruiting
Trial end date:
2024-03-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
This study aims to determine whether treatment of CMV positive (CMV+) individuals with major
depressive disorder (MDD) with valganciclovir (VGCV) alters neural circuitry, reduces
inflammation, and improves depressive behavior and symptoms to a greater extent than placebo.
In this double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled, parallel group trial, 24 individuals
with a Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self Report (QIDS-SR) scale score ≥ 14
will be enrolled to participate in an 8-week treatment study. Participants will be randomized
with a 1-1 ratio to receive 900 milligrams (mg) VGCV or placebo to be taken orally once per
day. Participants will complete a 2-hour pre-screen, a baseline blood-draw, clinical
evaluation, and MRI scan (visit 2), a clinical evaluation, blood draw, and MRI scan at week 4
(visit 6), and a clinical evaluation, blood draw, and MRI scan at week 8 (visit 10). Weekly
telephonic visits to assess depressive symptoms and side effects will held between the
in-person assessments.