INTENSIFY - Major Depressive Disorder
Research type
Research Study
Full title
INTENSIFY-MDD: A randomised, controlled trial to investigate the effect of a six week intensified pharmacological treatment for major depressive disorder compared to treatment as usual in subjects who had a first-time treatment failure on their first-line treatment.
IRAS ID
1009193
Contact name
Inge Winter
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Medical Center Utrecht
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Research summary
When people with a major depressive disorder are diagnosed, treatment is initiated and usually a medication is started. Beforehand it is unknown if the medication will reduce your symptoms or what side effects the medication will cause. When the first-line treatment does not work sufficiently, it is currently unknown what medication works best as a second-line treatment. We think that if the first treatment does not work sufficiently, it may be better to use a combination of medications (including esketamine, generally used as a third-line treatment), instead of the usual second-line treatment. Third-line treatments are expected to be more effective. It is important to know that all treatments in this study are already available and used in clinical practice, with known safety profiles. There are no new or experimental treatments. Instead, the study is testing the earlier use of these medications. The study will last about 3 months, with a treatment duration of 6-weeks. Participants may be able to stay on their medication if they wish, after discussion with their clinical care team.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0214
Date of REC Opinion
20 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion