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Xenon Inhalation Therapy for Depression

This study is testing if inhaling Xenon gas can quickly improve symptoms for people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Bipolar Depression. Researchers believe Xenon might work by affecting a chemical in the brain called glutamate. You could be eligible if you are 18-65 years old and have been diagnosed with MDD or Bipolar Depression. The study will compare Xenon-oxygen gas to Nitrogen-oxygen gas, both added to your usual treatment. The main goal is to see if depressive symptoms improve by day 1. The study plans to enroll 20 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is a randomized, double-blind crossover study involving 20 participants (10 with MDD and 10 with Bipolar Depression). You would receive both Xenon-oxygen and Nitrogen-oxygen in a random order, without knowing which you are getting.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoint for measuring improvement in depressive symptoms is at day 1.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT03748446

Xenon Inhalation Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder

Active, Not Recruiting
EARLY_PHASE1Ages 18–65InterventionalTreatment
Massachusetts General Hospital
~20 participants
Updated 2026-06-23 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:XenonNitrogen gas

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Depressive Symptoms
Measured over Improvement at day 1
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Major Depressive Disorder
Bipolar Depression

Explore related trials

Bipolar DepressionUnipolar Depression

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Massachusetts1

Study leadership

  • Andrew Nierenberg, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Massachussetts General Hospital

Who to contact

This trial hasn't published a contact. View it on ClinicalTrials.gov

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Patient who meets DSM-V Criteria for MDD or Bipolar Depression (according to DSM-V), as the primary focus of treatment.
Able to understand the risks and benefits of participating in this clinical trial and give informed consent, per judgment of the investigator.
Age greater than or equal to 18 years but less than or equal to 65 years.
Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale ≥20.
On an adequate antidepressant regimen (MDD) or on a mood stabilizing regimen (BP) that is stable for at least four weeks prior to enrollment.
Has reliable adult transportation from and to home.
Has a treating psychiatrist who is in agreement with the patient's participation in the study, and aware of the safety plan in the protocol.
No medical contraindications to receiving a xenon- or a nitrogen-oxygen mixture.
No serious or active pulmonary disease.

Exclusion

MDD or BP disorder with psychosis, schizophrenia, OCD, or a primary anxiety disorder.
Currently taking a benzodiazepine (including PRN).
Unwilling or unable to comply with study procedures.
Active substance abuse in the past 60 days, diagnosis of substance dependence in the past 12 months, currently active smokers of any substance, including prescription marijuana.
Pregnant women or women of child bearing potential who are not using a medically accepted means of contraception.
Any unstable medical illness (cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, respiratory, endocrine, neurological, or hematological disease or uncontrolled seizure disorder).
Any history of brain injury and any active state involving entrapped air/gas within a body cavity with the potential to expand causing organ distension/compression (e.g., bowel obstruction, pneumothorax, or pneumocephalus).
History of hypersensitivity to xenon; history of multiple adverse drug reactions.
Have taken any investigational psychotropic drug within the last 6 months.
Inability to agree to comply with the visit schedule or study procedures.
Not appropriate for participation in a research trial per judgment of the investigator.

What this trial measures

  • Depressive SymptomsImprovement at day 1

    Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS):This scale is a 6-item survey which is one of the most frequently used instruments for evaluating depression in adults, the questionnaire allows clinicians to assess the nature and severity of mood disorders in patient populations. Score Range: 0-42, higher scores means worse outcomes

  • Depressive SymptomsImprovement at day 1

    Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Clinician Version (QIDS-C): The Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS) is designed to assess the severity of depressive symptoms. The questions to be administered by the clinician assess the severity of the nine diagnostic symptom criteria used in DSM. Score Range: 0-48, higher scores means worse outcomes