Effects of Erythropoietin on Depressive Symptoms and Neurocognitive Deficits in Depression and Bipolar Disorder
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2012-10-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Depression and bipolar disorder (mania and depression) may be related to problems with nerve
cells not being regenerated as fast as normal and are accompanied by cognitive difficulties
including memory, attention and planning problems. There is thus a need for better, more
efficient treatments with effects on cognitive function. Erythropoietin (Epo) is involved in
brain repair and may be a candidate for future treatment strategies. The investigators have
demonstrated that a single dose of Epo improves mood and reduces the processing of negative
emotional information in healthy volunteers similar to effects seen with antidepressants.
With the current study the investigators aim to build upon this discovery by investigating
whether repeated Epo administration has antidepressant effects and is able to reverse
cognitive difficulties in patients with depression or bipolar disorder. It is hypothesized
that Epo will improve mood in treatment-resistant depression and improve cognitive function
in this group and in patients with bipolar disorder in remission. If the study reveals
beneficial effects of Epo, this would highlight Epo as a candidate compound for future
treatment of depression and bipolar disorder, with the potential to directly promote brain
repair mechanisms.
Phase:
Phase 2
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Lars Vedel Kessing, professor, MD, DMSc.
Collaborators:
Max-Planck-Institute of Experimental Medicine Novo Nordisk A/S The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Denmark University of Oxford