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AzTrials

Treatment-resistant DepressionPhase 3TRANSFORM-2NCT02418585

A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Flexible Doses of Intranasal Esketamine Plus an Oral Antidepressant in Adult Participants With Treatment-resistant Depression

A Phase 3 study testing Esketamine, Duloxetine (Oral Antidepressant) and Escitalopram (Oral antidepressant) in people with Treatment-resistant Depression, run by Janssen Research & Development, LLC at 48 sites in 5 countries.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of switching treatment-resistant depression (TRD) subjects from a prior antidepressant treatment (to which they have not responded) to either intranasal esketamine plus a new oral antidepressant or switching to a new oral antidepressant plus intranasal… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 64 years
Conditions the study is for
Treatment-resistant Depression
What is being tested?
Esketamine, Duloxetine (Oral Antidepressant) and Escitalopram (Oral antidepressant)
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
236 participants
Where
48 sitesin 5 countries
Study dates
7 Aug 2015to 6 Nov 2017
Phase
Phase 3
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 64 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • At the time of signing the informed consent form (ICF), participant must be a man or woman 18 (or older if the minimum legal age of consent in the country in which the study is taking place is greater than [>]18) to 64 years of age, inclusive
  • At the start of the screening/prospective observational phase, participant must meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria for single-episode major depressive disorder (MDD) (if single-episode MDD, the duration must be greater than or equal to [>=] 2 years) or recurrent MDD, without psychotic features, based upon clinical assessment and confirmed by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)
  • At the start of the screening/prospective observational phase, participant must have an Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Clinician rated ( IDS-C30) total score of greater than or equal to (>=) 34
  • At the start of the screening/prospective observational phase, participant must have had non-response (greater than or equal to [<=25] percent [%] improvement) to ≥1 but less than or equal to (<=) 5 (if current episode is >2 years, upper limit is applicable to only the last 2 years) oral antidepressant treatments in the current episode of depression, assessed using the Massachusetts General Hospital - Antidepressant Treatment Response Questionnaire (MGH-ATRQ) and documented by medical history and pharmacy/prescription records, for the current episode of depression. In addition, the participant is taking a different oral antidepressant treatment (on the MGH-ATRQ) for at least the previous 2 weeks at or above the minimum therapeutic dose
  • The participant's current major depressive episode, depression symptom severity (Week 1 MADRS total score >=28 required), and antidepressant treatment response in the current depressive episode, must be confirmed using a Site Independent Qualification Assessment

Who cannot join

  • Participants who have previously demonstrated nonresponse of depressive symptoms to esketamine or ketamine in the current major depressive episode, to all 4 of the oral antidepressant treatment options available for the double-blind induction phase (ie, duloxetine, escitalopram, sertraline, and venlafaxine extended release [XR]) in the current major depressive episode (based on MGH-ATRQ), or an adequate course of treatment with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the current major depressive episode, defined as at least 7 treatments with unilateral/bilateral ECT
  • Participant has received vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) or has received deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the current episode of depression
  • Participant has a current or prior DSM-5 diagnosis of a psychotic disorder or MDD with psychosis, bipolar or related disorders (confirmed by the MINI), comorbid obsessive compulsive disorder, intellectual disability (DSM-5 diagnostic codes 317, 318.0, 318.1, 318.2, 315.8, and 319), borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, or narcissistic personality disorder
  • Participant has homicidal ideation/intent, per the investigator's clinical judgment, or has suicidal ideation with some intent to act within 6 months prior to the start of the screening/prospective observational phase, per the investigator's clinical judgment or based on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
  • Participants with history of moderate or severe substance or alcohol use disorder according to DSM-5 criteria

Trial locations and contacts

48 sites in 5 countries.

48 sites in 5 countries

Germany12 sites
  • Study site

    Berlin

  • Study site

    Cham

  • Study site

    Dresden

  • Study site

    Gelsenkirchen

  • Study site

    Halle

  • Study site

    Leipzig

  • Study site

    Mainz

  • Study site

    Mannheim

  • Study site

    Mittweida

  • Study site

    Pfaffenhofen

  • Study site

    Prien am Chiemsee

  • Study site

    Tübingen

Other trials in Germany

Spain12 sites
  • Study site

    Alcorcón

  • Study site

    Barcelona

  • Study site

    Córdoba

  • Study site

    Málaga

  • Study site

    Móstoles

  • Study site

    Murcia

  • Study site

    Palma

  • Study site

    Pamplona

  • Study site

    Sabadell

  • Study site

    Salamanca

  • Study site

    Santa Coloma de Gramanet

  • Study site

    Vitoria-Gasteiz

Other trials in Spain

United States10 sites
  • Study site

    Atlanta, Georgia

  • Study site

    Birmingham, Alabama

  • Study site

    Boston, Massachusetts

  • Study site

    Chicago, Illinois

  • Study site

    Dallas, Texas

  • Study site

    Gaithersburg, Maryland

  • Study site

    Maitland, Florida

  • Study site

    Orange, California

  • Study site

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Study site

    San Rafael, California

Other trials in United States

Poland9 sites
  • Study site

    Bialystok

  • Study site

    Bydgoszcz

  • Study site

    Gdansk

  • Study site

    Krakow

  • Study site

    Mysłowice

  • Study site

    Pruszków

  • Study site

    Torun

  • Study site

    Tuszyn

  • Study site

    Warsaw

Other trials in Poland

Czechia5 sites
  • Study site

    Klecany

  • Study site

    Litoměřice

  • Study site

    Pilsen

  • Study site

    Prague

  • Study site

    Přerov

Other trials in Czechia

About this study

Official title: A Randomized, Double-blind, Multicenter, Active-controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Flexible Doses of Intranasal Esketamine Plus an Oral Antidepressant in Adult Subjects With Treatment-resistant Depression

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of switching treatment-resistant depression (TRD) subjects from a prior antidepressant treatment (to which they have not responded) to either intranasal esketamine plus a new oral antidepressant or switching to a new oral antidepressant plus intranasal placebo.

Read the detailed description

This is a randomized, double-blind (neither the researchers nor the subjects know what treatment the subject is receiving), active-controlled, multicenter study (more than 1 study site) in subjects with TRD to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of flexible doses of intranasal esketamine plus a newly initiated oral antidepressant compared with a newly initiated oral antidepressant (active comparator) plus intranasal placebo. The study will consist of 3 phases: Screening/Prospective Observational Phase (4-7 weeks), Double-blind Induction Phase (4-weeks), Follow-up Phase (24-weeks). Subjects who rollover into a long-term maintenance study will not participate in the Follow-up Phase. The antidepressant treatment, as well as any other ongoing medications being taken for depression at screening (including adjunctive/ augmentation therapies), will continue unchanged, at the same dosage, from the start of Week 1 through the end of Week 4 of the screening/prospective observational phase. Subjects' safety will be monitored throughout the study.

Being tested
Esketamine, Placebo, Duloxetine (Oral Antidepressant), Escitalopram (Oral antidepressant), Sertraline (Oral Antidepressant)
Keywords
Treatment-resistant Depression, Esketamine, Placebo, Oral Antidepressant
Medical subject headings
Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • EsketamineDrug

    Participants will self-administer either 56 mg or 84 mg of esketamine, intranasally, twice per week as a flexible dose regimen in the Double-Blind Induction Phase.

  • PlaceboDrug

    Participants will self-administer matching placebo, intranasally, twice per week for 4 weeks as a flexible dose regimen in the Double-Blind Induction Phase.

  • Duloxetine (Oral Antidepressant)Drug

    Duloxetine could be selected as the oral antidepressant medication by the investigator based on review of Massachusetts General Hospital - Antidepressant Treatment Response Questionnaire (MGH-ATRQ) and relevant prior antidepressant medication information. The minimum therapeutic dose is 60 milligram per day (mg/day).

  • Escitalopram (Oral antidepressant)Drug

    Escitalopram could be selected as the oral antidepressant medication by the investigator based on review of MGH-ATRQ and relevant prior antidepressant medication information. Escitalopram will be titrated upto a dose of 20 mg/day, but if not tolerated the dose can be reduced to the minimum therapeutic dose of 10 mg/day.

  • Sertraline (Oral Antidepressant)Drug

    Sertraline could be selected as the oral antidepressant medication by the investigator based on review of MGH-ATRQ and relevant prior antidepressant medication information. Sertraline will be titrated upto a dose of 150 mg/day, but if not tolerated the dose can be reduced to the minimum therapeutic dose of 50 mg/day.

  • Venlafaxine Extended Release (XR) (Oral Antidepressant)Drug

    Venlafaxine Extended Release could be selected as the oral antidepressant medication by the investigator based on review of MGH-ATRQ and relevant prior antidepressant medication information. Venlafaxine Extended Release will be titrated upto a dose of 225 mg/day, but if not tolerated the dose can be reduced to the minimum therapeutic dose of 150 mg/day.

Study groups in NCT02418585
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Intranasal Esketamine plus oral antidepressantExperimentalParticipants will self-administer esketamine intranasally twice per week for 4 weeks as a flexible dose regimen in the Double-Blind Induction Phase. All participants will start at a dose of 56 mg on Day 1. On Day 4, the dose may be increased to 84 mg or remain at 56 mg per investigator's discretion. On Days 8 and 11 the dose may be increased to 84 mg (from 56 mg), remain same, or be reduced to 56 mg (from 84 mg) per investigator's discretion. On Day 15, a dose reduction from 84 mg to 56 mg is permitted, if required for tolerability; no dose increase permitted. After Day 15, dose must remain stable (unchanged). In addition participants will simultaneously initiate a new, open-label oral antidepressant (duloxetine, escitalopram, sertraline, or venlafaxine extended release [XR]) on Day 1 that will be continued for the duration of Double-Blind Induction Phase.
Receives: Drug: Esketamine; Drug: Duloxetine (Oral Antidepressant); Drug: Escitalopram (Oral antidepressant); Drug: Sertraline (Oral Antidepressant); Drug: Venlafaxine Extended Release (XR) (Oral Antidepressant)
Placebo plus oral antidepressantActive comparatorParticipants will self-administer matching placebo, intranasally, twice per week for 4 weeks as a flexible dose regimen in Double-Blind Induction Phase. In addition participants will simultaneously initiate a new, open-label oral antidepressant (ie, duloxetine, escitalopram, sertraline, or venlafaxine extended release [XR]) on Day 1 that will be continued for the duration of Double-Blind Induction Phase.
Receives: Drug: Placebo; Drug: Duloxetine (Oral Antidepressant); Drug: Escitalopram (Oral antidepressant); Drug: Sertraline (Oral Antidepressant); Drug: Venlafaxine Extended Release (XR) (Oral Antidepressant)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change From Baseline in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) Total Score up to Day 28 in the Double-blind Induction Phase- Mixed-Effects Model Using Repeated Measures (MMRM) Analysis

    MADRS is clinician-rated scale designed to measure depression severity, and to detect changes due to antidepressant treatment. Scale consists of 10 items (apparent sadness, reported sadness, inner tension, sleep, appetite, concentration, lassitude, interest level, pessimistic thoughts, and suicidal thoughts), each of which is scored from 0 (item is not present or is normal) to 6 (severe or continuous presence of symptoms), summed for a total possible score of 0 to 60. Higher scores represent more severe condition.

    Measured: Baseline up to Day 28 of Double-blind Induction Phase

  2. Change From Baseline in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) Total Score up to Endpoint (Double-blind Induction Phase [Day 28])- Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) Analysis

    MADRS is clinician-rated scale designed to measure depression severity, and to detect changes due to antidepressant treatment. Scale consists of 10 items (apparent sadness, reported sadness, inner tension, sleep, appetite, concentration, lassitude, interest level, pessimistic thoughts, and suicidal thoughts), each of which is scored from 0 (item is not present or is normal) to 6 (severe or continuous presence of symptoms), summed for a total possible score of 0 to 60. Higher scores represent more severe condition. The last post baseline observation during the phase was carried forward as "End Point" for that phase.

    Measured: Baseline up to Endpoint (Double-blind Induction Phase [Day 28])

Secondary outcomes (14)
  1. Percentage of Participants With Onset of Clinical Response on Day 2 and Day 8

    A participant was defined as having a clinical response if there is at least 50 percent (%) improvement from baseline in the MADRS total score with onset by Day 2 and Day 8 that was maintained to Day 28. MADRS is clinician-rated scale designed to measure depression severity, and to detect changes due to antidepressant treatment. Scale consists of 10 items (apparent sadness, reported sadness, inner tension, sleep, appetite, concentration, lassitude, interest level, pessimistic thoughts, and suicidal thoughts), each of which is scored from 0 (item is not present or is normal) to 6 (severe or continuous presence of symptoms), summed for a total possible score of 0 to 60. Higher scores represent more severe condition. Participants who did not meet such criterion or discontinue during the study before Day 28 for any reason were considered as non-responders.

    Measured: Day 2 up to Day 28 and Day 8 up to Day 28

  2. Change From Baseline in Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) Total Score up to Day 28 of Double-blind Induction Phase- MMRM Analysis

    The SDS is a participant-reported outcome measure and 5 item questionnaire used for assessment of functional impairment and associated disability. First three items assess disruption of 1 work/school, 2 social life, 3 family life/home responsibilities using a 0(no impairment)-10 (most severe impairment). Score for first 3 items are summed to create total score of 0-30 where higher score indicates greater impairment and a negative change in score indicates improvement. It also has one item on days lost from school or work and one item on days when under productive.

    Measured: Baseline up to Day 28 of Double-blind Induction phase

  3. Change From Baseline in Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) Total Score up to Endpoint (Double-blind Induction Phase [Day 28])- ANCOVA Analysis

    The SDS is a participant-reported outcome measure and 5 item questionnaire used for assessment of functional impairment and associated disability. First three items assess disruption of 1 work/school, 2 social life, 3 family life/home responsibilities using a 0(no impairment)-10 (most severe impairment). Score for first 3 items are summed to create total score of 0-30 where higher score indicates greater impairment and a negative change in score indicates improvement. It also has one item on days lost from school or work and one item on days when under productive. The last post baseline observation during the phase was carried forward as "End Point" for that phase.

    Measured: Baseline up to Endpoint (Double-blind Induction Phase [Day 28])

  4. Change From Baseline in Patient Health Questionnaire - 9-Item Depression Module (PHQ-9) Total Score up to Day 28 of Double-blind Induction Phase- MMRM Analysis

    PHQ-9 is 9-item, self-report scale assessing depressive symptoms. Each item is rated on 4-point scale (0=Not at all, 1=Several Days, 2=More than half days, 3=Nearly every day. Scale scores each of 9 symptom domains of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder criteria and it has been used both as screening tool and measure of response to treatment for depression. The participant's item responses are summed to provide a total score (range of 0 to 27) with higher scores indicating greater severity of depressive symptoms. Severity of PHQ-9 categorized as follows: None-minimal (0-4), Mild (5-9), Moderate (10-14), Moderately Severe (15-19), Severe (20-27).

    Measured: Baseline up to Day 28 of Double-blind Induction phase

  5. Change From Baseline in Patient Health Questionnaire - 9-Item Depression Module (PHQ-9) Total Score up to Endpoint (Double-blind Induction Phase [Day 28])- ANCOVA Analysis

    PHQ-9 is 9-item, self-report scale assessing depressive symptoms. Each item is rated on 4-point scale (0=Not at all, 1=Several Days, 2=More than half days, 3=Nearly every day). Scale scores each of 9 symptom domains of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder criteria and it has been used both as screening tool and measure of response to treatment for depression. The participant's item responses are summed to provide a total score (range of 0 to 27) with higher scores indicating greater severity of depressive symptoms. Severity of PHQ-9 categorized as follows: None-minimal (0-4), Mild (5-9), Moderate (10-14), Moderately Severe (15-19), Severe (20-27). The last post baseline observation during the phase was carried forward as "End Point" for that phase.

    Measured: Baseline up to Endpoint (Double-blind Induction Phase [Day 28])

  6. Percentage of Participants Who Achieved >=50% Reduction From Baseline in MADRS Total Score at the Endpoint (Double-blind Induction Phase [Day 28])

    MADRS is clinician-rated scale designed to measure depression severity, and to detect changes due to antidepressant treatment. Scale consists of 10 items (apparent sadness, reported sadness, inner tension, sleep, appetite, concentration, lassitude, interest level, pessimistic thoughts, and suicidal thoughts), each of which is scored from 0 (item is not present or is normal) to 6 (severe or continuous presence of symptoms), summed for a total possible score of 0 to 60. Higher scores represent more severe condition. The percentage of participants with greater than or equal to (>=) 50 % reduction from baseline in MADRS total score was reported. The last post baseline observation during the phase was carried forward as "End Point" for that phase.

    Measured: At Endpoint (Double-blind Induction Phase [Day 28])

  7. Percentage of Participants in Remission (MADRS<=12) at the Endpoint (Double-blind Induction Phase [Day 28])

    Remission was defined as participants who had a MADRS total score of less than or equal to (=<) 12. MADRS is clinician-rated scale designed to measure depression severity, and to detect changes due to antidepressant treatment. Scale consists of 10 items (apparent sadness, reported sadness, inner tension, sleep, appetite, concentration, lassitude, interest level, pessimistic thoughts, and suicidal thoughts), each of which is scored from 0 (item is not present or is normal) to 6 (severe or continuous presence of symptoms), summed for a total possible score of 0 to 60. Higher scores represent more severe condition. The last post baseline observation during the phase was carried forward as "End Point" for that phase.

    Measured: At Endpoint (Double-blind Induction Phase [Day 28])

  8. Percentage of Participants in Response (SDS Total Score <=12 and Individual Item Scores Each <=4) at the End of 4-Week Double-blind Induction Phase (Day 28)

    Response defined as SDS total score <= 12 and individual item scores each <= 4. SDS is a participant-reported outcome measure and 5 item questionnaire used for assessment of functional impairment and associated disability. First three items assess disruption of 1 work/school, 2 social life, 3 family life/home responsibilities using a 0(no impairment)-10 (most severe impairment). Score for first 3 items are summed to create total score of 0-30 where higher score indicates greater impairment and a negative change in score indicates improvement. It also has one item on days lost from school or work and one item on days when under productive.

    Measured: At Day 28 [end of Double-blind Induction Phase]

  9. Percentage of Participants in Remission (SDS Total Score <=6 and Individual Item Scores Each <=2) at the End of 4-Week Double-blind Induction Phase (Day 28)

    Remission defined as SDS total score <= 6 and individual item scores each <= 2. SDS is a participant reported outcome measure and is a 5-item questionnaire which has been widely used and accepted for assessment of functional impairment and associated disability. The first three items assess disruption of (1) work/school, (2) social life, and (3) family life/home responsibilities using a 0-10 rating scale. The score for the first three items were summed to create a total score of 0-30 where a higher score indicates greater impairment. It also has one item on days lost from school or work and one item on days when under productive.

    Measured: At Day 28 (End of Double-blind Induction Phase)

  10. Change From Baseline in Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) Total Score up to Endpoint (Double-blind Induction Phase [Day 28])

    CGI-S provides measure of severity of participant's illness including participant's history, psychosocial circumstances, symptoms, behavior and impact of symptoms on ability to function. CGI-S evaluates severity of psychopathology on scale of 0 to 7. Considering total clinical experience, participant is assessed on severity of mental illness according to: 0=not assessed; 1=normal (not at all ill); 2=borderline mentally ill; 3=mildly ill; 4=moderately ill; 5=markedly ill; 6=severely ill; 7=among most extremely ill patients. CGI-S permits global evaluation of participant's condition at given time. The last post baseline observation during the phase was carried forward as "End Point" for that phase.

    Measured: Baseline up to Endpoint (Double-blind Induction Phase [Day 28])

  11. Change From Baseline in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) Total Score up to Endpoint (Double-blind Induction Phase [Day 28])

    GAD-7 is a brief and validated 7-item self-report assessment of overall anxiety. Participants respond to each item using a 4-point scale with response categories of 0=not at all, 1=several days, 2=more than half the days, and 3=nearly every day. Item responses are summed to yield a total score with a range of 0 to 21, where higher scores indicate more anxiety. The recall period is 2 weeks. The severity of the GAD-7 is categorized as follows: None (0-4), Mild (5-9), Moderate (10-14) and Severe (15 -21). The last post baseline observation during the phase was carried forward as "End Point" for that phase.

    Measured: Baseline up to Endpoint (Double-blind Induction Phase [Day 28])

  12. Change From Baseline in EQ 5D-5L-Health Status Index to End of Double-blind Induction Phase (Day 28)

    European Quality of Life Group-5 Dimension-5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) is a 2-part instrument for use as a measure of health outcome, designed for self-completion by respondents. It consists of EQ-5D-5L descriptive system and EQ VAS. EQ-5D-5L descriptive system comprises of 5 dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Each has 5 levels of perceived problems (1-no problem, 2-slight problems, 3-moderate problems, 4-severe problems, 5-extreme problems). Participant selects answer for each of 5 dimensions considering response that best matches his/her health "today". Responses were used to generate a Health Status Index (HSI). Health Status Index range is -0.148 - 0.949, is anchored at 0 (dead) and 1 (full health).

    Measured: Baseline up to End of Double-blind Induction Phase (Day 28)

  13. Change From Baseline in EQ 5D-5L- European Quality of Life - Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) to End of Double-blind Induction Phase (Day 28)

    EQ-5D-5L is a 2-part instrument for use as a measure of health outcome, designed for self-completion by respondents. It consists of EQ-5D-5L descriptive system and EQ VAS. The EQ VAS self-rating records the respondent's own assessment of his or her overall health status at the time of completion, on a scale of 0 (the worst health you can imagine) to 100 (the best health you can imagine).

    Measured: Baseline up to End of Double-blind Induction Phase (Day 28)

  14. Change From Baseline in EQ 5D-5L- Sum Score to End of Double-blind Induction Phase (Day 28)

    EQ-5D-5L consists of EQ-5D-5L descriptive system and EQ visual analogue scale (EQ VAS). EQ-5D-5L descriptive system comprises of 5 dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Each has 5 levels of perceived problems (1-no problem, 2-slight problems, 3-moderate problems, 4-severe problems, 5-extreme problems). Participant selects answer for each of 5 dimensions considering response that best matches his/her health "today". Responses were used to generate a Health Status Index (HSI). Health Status Index range is -0.148 - 0.949, is anchored at 0 (dead) and 1 (full health). EQ VAS self-rating records the respondent's own assessment of his/her overall health status at time of completion, on a scale of 0 (worst health you can imagine) to 100 (best health you can imagine). Sum score ranges from 0 to 100 where, sum score = (sum of the scores from the 5 dimensions minus 5) *5. Higher score indicates worst health state.

    Measured: Baseline up to End of Double-blind Induction Phase (Day 28)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted16 Apr 2015 (estimated)
  2. Study start7 Aug 2015
  3. Primary completion1 Jun 2017
  4. Study completion6 Nov 2017

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 3
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
236 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT02418585
Sponsor's protocol ID
CR107147
Other IDs
ESKETINTRD3002, 2014-004585-22, 2014
Acronym
TRANSFORM-2
Status last verified
Apr 2025
First submitted
13 Apr 2015
Last updated
29 Apr 2025
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • Kaster TS, Dai Y, Vila-Rodriguez F, Downar J, Daskalakis ZJ, Blumberger DM, Rhee TG. Efficacy of intranasal esketamine versus rTMS for treatment-resistant depression: analysis of individual participant data from two clinical trials. EClinicalMedicine. 2025 Oct 30;90:103609. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103609. eCollection 2025 Dec.

    PubMed 41245530
  • Kern Sliwa J, Naranjo RR Jr, Turkoz I, Petrillo MP, Cabrera P, Trivedi M. Effects of esketamine nasal spray on depressive symptom severity in adults with treatment-resistant depression and associations between the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire. CNS Spectr. 2024 Jun;29(3):176-186. doi: 10.1017/S1092852924000105. Epub 2024 Apr 1.

    PubMed 38557430
  • Jamieson C, Popova V, Daly E, Cooper K, Drevets WC, Rozjabek HM, Singh J. Assessment of health-related quality of life and health status in patients with treatment-resistant depression treated with esketamine nasal spray plus an oral antidepressant. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2023 May 8;21(1):40. doi: 10.1186/s12955-023-02113-1.

    PubMed 37158911
  • Turkoz I, Nelson JC, Wilkinson ST, Borentain S, Macaluso M, Trivedi MH, Williamson D, Sheehan JJ, Salvadore G, Singh J, Daly E. Predictors of response and remission in patients with treatment-resistant depression: A post hoc pooled analysis of two acute trials of esketamine nasal spray. Psychiatry Res. 2023 May;323:115165. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115165. Epub 2023 Mar 16.

    PubMed 37019044
  • Jha MK, Williamson DJ, Magharehabed G, Turkoz I, Daly EJ, Trivedi MH. Intranasal esketamine effectively treats treatment-resistant depression in adults regardless of baseline irritability. J Affect Disord. 2023 Jan 15;321:153-160. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.10.020. Epub 2022 Oct 20.

    PubMed 36273682
  • Floden L, Hudgens S, Jamieson C, Popova V, Drevets WC, Cooper K, Singh J. Evaluation of Individual Items of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) in Adults with Treatment-Resistant Depression Treated with Esketamine Nasal Spray Combined with a New Oral Antidepressant. CNS Drugs. 2022 Jun;36(6):649-658. doi: 10.1007/s40263-022-00916-2. Epub 2022 Apr 20.

    PubMed 35441931
  • Chen G, Chen L, Zhang Y, Li X, Lane R, Lim P, Daly EJ, Furey ML, Fedgchin M, Popova V, Singh JB, Drevets WC. Relationship Between Dissociation and Antidepressant Effects of Esketamine Nasal Spray in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Depression. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2022 Apr 19;25(4):269-279. doi: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab084.

    PubMed 35022754
  • Jones RR, Freeman MP, Kornstein SG, Cooper K, Daly EJ, Canuso CM, Nicholson S. Efficacy and safety of esketamine nasal spray by sex in patients with treatment-resistant depression: findings from short-term randomized, controlled trials. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2022 Apr;25(2):313-326. doi: 10.1007/s00737-021-01185-6. Epub 2022 Jan 1.

    PubMed 34973081
  • Dean RL, Hurducas C, Hawton K, Spyridi S, Cowen PJ, Hollingsworth S, Marquardt T, Barnes A, Smith R, McShane R, Turner EH, Cipriani A. Ketamine and other glutamate receptor modulators for depression in adults with unipolar major depressive disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Sep 12;9(9):CD011612. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011612.pub3.

    PubMed 34510411
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Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 3 study testing Esketamine, Duloxetine (Oral Antidepressant) and Escitalopram (Oral antidepressant) in people with Treatment-resistant Depression, run by Janssen Research & Development, LLC at 48 sites in 5 countries.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Apr 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 48 sites in Germany, Spain, United States, Poland, Czechia. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 19 Apr 2019). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change From Baseline in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) Total Score up to Day 28 in the Double-blind Induction Phase- Mixed-Effects Model Using Repeated Measures (MMRM) Analysis (time frame: Baseline up to Day 28 of Double-blind Induction Phase). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02418585, which also lists 16 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 29 Apr 2025.

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