Aticaprant for Depression
(VENTURA-2 Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial is testing aticaprant to see if it can help adults with major depressive disorder and anhedonia who haven't responded well to other antidepressants. Aticaprant works by blocking certain receptors in the brain to potentially improve depressive symptoms.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not require you to stop your current medications. In fact, you need to continue taking your current SSRI or SNRI antidepressant at a stable dose to participate.
How does the drug Aticaprant differ from other depression treatments?
Aticaprant is unique because it is a neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist, which means it works by blocking specific receptors in the brain that are involved in mood regulation. This mechanism is different from most traditional antidepressants, which typically target serotonin or norepinephrine pathways.12345
Who Is on the Research Team?
Janssen Research & Development, LLC Clinical Trial
Principal Investigator
Janssen Research & Development, LLC
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and moderate-to-severe anhedonia who haven't responded well to current SSRI or SNRI antidepressants. They must have a history of depression, be medically stable, and not have had significant improvement in their symptoms recently.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive Aticaprant 10 mg or placebo once daily for 42 days in addition to their current antidepressant therapy
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Open-label extension (optional)
Participants may opt into a separate 52-week open-label long-term safety study
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Aticaprant
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Janssen Research & Development, LLC
Lead Sponsor
Joaquin Duato
Janssen Research & Development, LLC
Chief Executive Officer since 2022
MBA from ESADE, Master of International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management
Dr. Jijo James, MD
Janssen Research & Development, LLC
Chief Medical Officer since 2014
MD from St. Johns Medical College, MPH from Columbia University