We are currently enrolling adults for Depression Studies assessing the effectiveness and safety of an investigational study drug to see whether it may help symptoms of depression.
You may qualify for the Depression Studies if you:
- Are 18-65 years old
- Have a diagnosis of major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder I or II
- Are experiencing symptoms of depression that started between 4 weeks and 12 months ago
Qualified participants will receive all research study-related drugs (the active investigational study drug or placebo). Research study-related care will be overseen by a specialized medical team. Participants may also be compensated for research study-related travel and expenses.
Sign Up
What happens if I sign up?
If you think you might like to participate in the Depression Studies, or would like more information, please fill out the questionnaire below so we can see if you qualify and can contact you about the studies. Keep in mind that participation is entirely voluntary.
If you pass the initial screening, we will match you to a Depression Study location in your area or notify you if one becomes available. If there is not a current study location for major depressive disorder or bipolar depression in your area, we may reach out to you in the future via email, phone, or text to share information about new study opportunities that may be a good fit.
About Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) & Bipolar Depression
Major depressive disorder or MDD, also known as clinical depression, is a mood disorder that may include many symptoms such as periods of sadness, hopelessness, low energy, loss of interest or enjoyment of activities, and changes in sleep and appetite that last two weeks or longer.1
Bipolar disorder is defined as having episodes of intense emotional states, lasting from days to weeks. These episodes are categorized as depressive, a deeply sad mood or the inability to experience joy, and manic/hypomanic, phases of intense happiness or irritability and increased energy.2
Major depressive disorder and bipolar depression share the same symptoms, however; a history of manic episodes differentiates Bipolar Depression from MDD—mania or hypomania are absent in MDD.3 Shared depressive symptoms include:
- Low mood and energy
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Changes in sleep and appetite
- Problems concentrating
- Loss of interest or enjoyment of activities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a clinical research study?
A clinical research study (also called a clinical trial) is a medical study that helps to answer important questions about an investigational drug or device—these may include how well a study drug or device works for a certain condition. All medications must be tested in clinical research studies before they can be approved and prescribed to patients.
Why are clinical research studies important?
A clinical research study is the process by which investigational drugs and interventions are reviewed and analyzed before being approved and brought to market.
Investigational drugs are not yet available to the public outside of a clinical research study setting. Even over-the-counter medications you may have used to counteract a headache have gone through the clinical research study process before it was available at your local pharmacy.
These research studies aim to determine whether the investigational study drug may help alleviate your depression symptoms. The studies will also evaluate if the investigational drug is safe and well tolerated.
What is a placebo?
A placebo is a substance or treatment that has no therapeutic effect and is used as a control in clinical trials to test the effectiveness of an investigational drug or intervention. It is designed to look, feel, or taste like the actual treatment but does not contain any active ingredients. Placebos help researchers determine whether the observed effects of the investigational treatment are due to the treatment itself or other factors, such as the participants’ expectations or psychological responses (known as the placebo effect). In this study you may receive investigational drug or placebo.
Will I be reimbursed?
Those who qualify to take part in the studies may be reimbursed for travel expenses and/or compensation for their time. If you do not complete all study requirements, the amount will be prorated based upon the portion of the study participation completed. Please discuss this with the study team when they contact you.
What else do I need to consider?
The research team will be able to explain more about what the Depression Studies will involve, and it is up to you to decide if you want to take part. Participation in these studies is voluntary. Whether or not you decide to participate in these studies will not affect your current or future relationships with your doctors.
How far is the study site?
If you qualify, we will match you to a study site within a close travel distance from your home. If we are not running the studies in your area currently, with your permission, we will keep you in our database and reach out if a study in your area becomes available. If, at any time, you decide you no longer want your information stored, you can opt out and we will delete your details.
About the illuma and enKORAge Depression Studies
The illuma and enKORAge Depression Studies are assessing the effectiveness and safety of an investigational study drug taken orally, once daily, for the treatment of depression. Participation will require approximately 7 visits to a study site. Participants may also be compensated for research study-related travel and expenses.
We are looking to enroll approximately 195 adults with symptoms of major depressive disorder or bipolar depression in both the illuma and enKORAge studies at research sites in the United States. Both the studies include a 3-week screening period, 6-week treatment period, and 30-day follow-up, lasting approximately 13 weeks in total.
Who can participate?
You may be able to take part in the Depression Studies if you:
- Are 18-65 years old
- Have a diagnosis of major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder I or II
- Are experiencing symptoms of depression that started between 4 weeks and 12 months ago