NEW Research Opportunity: You may be eligible to participate in a new depression study. Find Out More
.jpg)
PREVIOUS RESEARCH
The Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation is actively involved in research. Highlights from our competed research is found below. If you're interested in learning more about our current research or participating, please check out our ongoing research.
Scientific publications from our research can be found here.
K-Opioid Antagonist in the Treatment of Adults with Major Depressive Disorder and Anhedonia
The KOASTAL-2 was a clinical study aiming to determine if a novel selective k-opioid receptor antagonist (Navacaprant, also known as NMRA-335140) is beneficial in the treatment of adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). In addition, it is hoped that this new treatment will not only improve overall depressive symptom severity, but also improve anhedonia, which is a term used to describe the inability to feel pleasure or enjoyment in activities that usually make people feel themselves again as though they have their life back.
Eligible participants were be randomly assigned to either an oral investigational treatment called Navacaprant, a selective k-opioid receptor antagonist (KORA), or placebo. The study involved 6 weeks of active enrollment along with a screening visit and post-intervention visit. Upon completion, participants may have the option to join in a separate open-label extension study.
Vortioxetine for the Treatment of Post-COVID-19 Condition: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study was for people who were currently suffering from post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) or can be called long COVID. Meaning since having a covid 19 infection, they still experience symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive dysfunction “brain fog” are example.
Purpose:
To determine the impact of vortioxetine on the Cognitive deficits mood symptoms and significant reduction in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in persons living with Post-Covid Condition (PCC).
Methods:
An 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on adults ≥ 18 years of age residing in Canada and who are experiencing symptoms of World Health Organization (WHO)-defined Post-Covid Condition. Of the 200 participants enrolled, a total of 149 participants were randomized (1:1) to receive either vortioxetine (5–20 mg, n = 75) or placebo (n = 74) daily for 8 weeks of double-blind treatment (i.e. end point).
Results:
Anti-depressant effects and improvement in HRQOL Noted to be significantly more in the vortioxetine treated group. On the primary analysis, improvements were seen in cognition functions in people taking Vortioxetine However, the difference and improvement was not significantly greater than observed in the placebo arm overall. A subsequent secondary analysis of the data indicated that person with increased inflammatory marker i.e. CRP had a significantly greater improvement With vortioxetine in cognitive function suggesting the inflammatory system is affecting cognitive function in people with PCC.
See more here:
Featured Research on Anhedonia