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Lithium Versus Cariprazine in the Acute Phase Treatment of Bipolar Depression (DUAG9)
EU CTIS ID: 2024-517170-20-01
What this study is testing
The primary aim is to investigate whether cariprazine is superior to lithium or vice versa in the acute treatment of patients with bipolar type 1 or 2 in a current depressive episode measured as change on the Hamilton Depression Scale, 6 item version.
- Therapeutic use (Phase IV)
A plain-language read of the study's public EU CTIS listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
You may be able to join if
- A diagnosis of bipolar disorder, type 1 or type 2.
- Severity of depression: A score of at least 21 on the self-reported Major Depression Inventory (MDI).
- No start or dose increase of psychotropic medication (except for benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like drugs (zopiclone, zolpidem, and melatonin)) in the two weeks prior to inclusion.
- No new start of formalized psychotherapy sessions, excluding psychoeducation, during the 4 weeks prior to inclusion.
- Age criteria: Subjects must be at least 18 years old and below 65 at the time of randomization.
- The duration of the current depressive episode must be between 4 and 52 weeks as judged by the investigator at the time of randomization.
You likely can't join if
- Prior or ongoing acute treatment of a depressive episode lasting > 14 days with either lithium or cariprazine as judged by the investigator.
- Medical conditions like cancer, kidney failure, epilepsy, deep brain stimulation device, or other medical conditions interfering with study the outcome and safety as judged by investigator's discretion.
- Current harmful use or dependency of alcohol or drugs according to DSM-5.
- Known allergy to any of the substances in the study medication.
- ECT within the current depressive episode.
- A score of MAS > 6.
See the full eligibility criteria
- A diagnosis of bipolar disorder, type 1 or type 2.
- Severity of depression: A score of at least 21 on the self-reported Major Depression Inventory (MDI).
- No start or dose increase of psychotropic medication (except for benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like drugs (zopiclone, zolpidem, and melatonin)) in the two weeks prior to inclusion.
- No new start of formalized psychotherapy sessions, excluding psychoeducation, during the 4 weeks prior to inclusion.
- Age criteria: Subjects must be at least 18 years old and below 65 at the time of randomization.
- The duration of the current depressive episode must be between 4 and 52 weeks as judged by the investigator at the time of randomization.
- Clinical uncertainty regarding which of the alternatives, cariprazine and lithium, would be the better choice in the specific case.
- Female participants should be sterile or non-fertile or, in case of being fertile, they must have a negative pregnancy test AND use safe anticonception.
- Signed document of informed consent.
- Prior or ongoing acute treatment of a depressive episode lasting > 14 days with either lithium or cariprazine as judged by the investigator.
- Medical conditions like cancer, kidney failure, epilepsy, deep brain stimulation device, or other medical conditions interfering with study the outcome and safety as judged by investigator's discretion.
- Current harmful use or dependency of alcohol or drugs according to DSM-5.
- Known allergy to any of the substances in the study medication.
- ECT within the current depressive episode.
- A score of MAS > 6.
- A diagnosis of dementia.
- High risk of non-adherence at the investigator's discretion.
- Not understanding the Danish language as judged by the investigator.
- Psychiatric coercion in the form of forced admission or detainment OR sentence to forensic psychiatric care.
- Presence of clinically relevant delusions, hallucinations or other psychotic symptoms as judged by the investigator.
- Suicidality according to C-SSRS with a positive response to question 4 or 5 or upon investigator's discretion.
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This listing doesn't specify compensation. Many trials still reimburse travel or offer a stipend, so it's worth asking the study team when you connect.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part - confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The listing doesn't state an exact length. The study team walks you through the schedule and number of visits before you decide to enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 18-64 years. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool - not medical advice, and not the study sponsor. Details come from EU CTIS; the study team decides eligibility.