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Treatment Resistant DepressionPhase 2/3SPARC-TMSNCT07227103

A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Comparison of NRX-101 vs. Placebo for Adults Being Treated With Robotic Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment Resistant Depression: The SPARC-TMS Trial

A Phase 2/3 study testing Neuronavigated robotic-enabled TMS and NRX-101 in people with Treatment Resistant Depression and Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD), run by NeuroRx, Inc. at 3 sites in United States.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a significant public health problem and leading cause of worldwide disability. Treatment resistance is common in MDD, however, for these individuals, targeted noninvasive brain stimulation is an alternative. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 80 years
What is being tested?
Neuronavigated robotic-enabled TMS and NRX-101
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
240 participants
Where
3 sitesUnited States
Study dates
1 Dec 2026to 30 Jun 2028
Phase
Phase 2/3
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

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 80 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

18 to 65 years of age, inclusive, at Screening. 2. Participants must be initiating a new course of TMS treatment and must be TMS-naïve. 3. Able to understand and provide written and dated informed consent prior to Screening. 4. Deemed likely to comply with the study protocol, including communication of adverse events (AEs) and other clinically important information, including adherence to the text messaging component of the trial. 5. Previously diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) according to the criteria defined in the DSM-5. 6. Has treatment-resistant MDD defined as failure to achieve an adequate response after at least two adequate antidepressant trials of different agents, each given at a therapeutic dose and for sufficient duration. 7. A total score ≥ 25 on the 10 items of the MADRS. 8. Has an identified reliable informant/care partner that is willing to provide information and/or supportive care as necessary. 9. If heterosexual female, a status of non-childbearing potential or use of an acceptable form of birth control per the following criteria, and agrees to continue use of the same method of birth control for the duration of study participation:

  1. Non-childbearing potential: physiologically incapable of becoming pregnant (i.e., permanently sterilized [status posthysterectomy, bilateral tubal ligation], or post-menopausal with last menses at least one year prior to Screening); or
  2. Childbearing potential, and meets the following criteria:
  3. Must agree to use at least one highly effective method of birth control (methods which result in a failure rate of less than 1% per year when used consistently and correctly) during study participation. Examples of acceptable highly effective methods include established use of oral, injected, implanted, or intrauterine hormonal contraception; placement of an intrauterine device or intrauterine system; or a vasectomized partner with documented azoospermia; or true sexual abstinence that is the participant's usual and preferred lifestyle. ii. Negative urinary pregnancy test at Screening, confirmed by a second negative urinary pregnancy test at Day 1, prior to receiving study treatment. 10. Body mass index (BMI) between 18-40 kg/m2; BMI up to 45 kg/m2 is allowed with Medical Monitor review and approval. 11. If receiving concurrent psychotherapy, the type and frequency of the therapy (e.g., weekly or monthly) has been stable for at least 3 months prior to Screening and will remain stable for the duration of study participation. 12. Concurrent hypnotic therapy (e.g., with zolpidem, zaleplon, melatonin, benzodiazepines, maximum 2 mg daily, or trazodone) will be allowed if the therapy has been stable for at least 4-weeks prior to screening and will remain stable during the course of the patient's participation in the study. 13. Concurrent treatment with benzodiazepines is allowed up to a maximum dose 2 mg/daily used for anxiety if therapy has been stable relative to dose and schedule for at least 4 weeks prior to screening and if it is expected to remain stable during the course of the patient's participation in the study. Exclusion criteria: A patient is ineligible for inclusion in this study Heterosexual female of childbearing potential who is not willing to use one of the specified forms of birth control during the study. 2. Female who is pregnant (positive pregnancy test at Screening) or breastfeeding. 3. Active suicidality (without the intention to act) as evidenced by a score of >3 on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. 4. Current DSM-5 diagnosis of moderate or severe substance use disorder (except marijuana or tobacco use disorder) within the 12 months prior to Screening. (Note: Substance use disorder cannot be the precipitant for study entry). 5. Current DSM-5 diagnosis of alcohol use disorder 6. A lifetime history of phencyclidine (PCP)/ketamine drug abuse 7. History of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder 8. History of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, eating disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), or other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFED) within 3 years of Screening. 9. Has dementia, delirium, amnestic, or any other cognitive disorder. 10. Renal impairment defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min, calculated using the 2021 CKD-EPI creatinine equation (racefree). 11. Clinically significant hepatic impairment. Clinically significant hepatic impairment is defined as a history of chronic liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) or evidence at Screening of acute liver disease or impaired liver function (e.g., ALT or AST >3 × ULN, total bilirubin >2 × ULN) or in the opinion of the Investigator. 12. A clinically significant abnormality on the Screening physical examination that may affect safety or study participation, or that may confound interpretation of study results according to the study clinician. 13. Risk factors for neurocardiogenic syncope including history of syncope/ presyncope related to noxious stimuli, anxiety, micturation, or posture. 14. Co-morbidities as ascertained by medical history, physical examination (including measurement of vital signs), clinical laboratory evaluations, and electrocardiogram (ECG) which might interfere with compliance or the ability to assess efficacy or safety. 15. Diagnosis of moderate to severe heart disease or current episode of:
  4. Myocardial infarction within 1 year of Screening.
  5. Diagnosis of angina pectoris.
  6. Prolonged QTc interval, as measured by Fridericia's correction formula (QTcF) ≥450 msec at Screening for males or ≥ 470 msec for females on 2 of 3 measurements at least 15 minutes apart prior to randomization on Day 1. 16. Diagnosis of chronic lung disease, excluding asthma. 17. Lifetime history of any of the following: neurologic conditions with structural cerebral damage, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, surgical procedures involving the brain or meninges, meningoencephalitis, degenerative central nervous system (CNS) disorder (e.g., Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease), mental retardation, stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), intracranial abscess, or any other disease/procedure/accident/intervention that, according to the clinician, is deemed associated with significant injury to, or malfunction of, the CNS. 18. History of epilepsy, personal history of seizure, family history of epilepsy or seizure in a first degree relative. 19. Diagnosis of parenchymal or leptomeningeal cancer.

Diabetes mellitus fulfilling any of the following criteria:

  1. Unstable diabetes mellitus defined as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) >8.0 percent at Screening.
  2. Admitted to the hospital for treatment of diabetes mellitus or diabetes mellitus-related illness in the past 12 weeks.
  3. Not under physician care for diabetes mellitus.
  4. Not on the same dose of oral hypoglycemic drug(s) and/or diet for the 4 weeks prior to Screening. 180645 180645 Protocol NRX101-011_ MIND1 V3.0 FINAL Pg. 8 NRX101-011 Protocol v3.0 9 Confidential
  5. Not on the same dose of oral thiazolidinediones (glitazones) for the 8 weeks prior to Screening. 21. Any current or past history of any physical condition which, in the opinion of the investigator, may put the patient at risk or interfere with study results interpretation. 22. On exclusionary concomitant psychotropic and non-psychotropic medications (see Section 9.5) 23. Prescribed more than one agent in each of the following categories at randomization:
  6. Approved SSRIs. b. Approved serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). c. Approved tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs). 24. Currently prescribed oxcarbazepine or carbamazepine. 25. Exclusionary laboratory values or any other clinically significant abnormal laboratory result at Screening. Within normal limits (WNL) will be determined based on lab values of the local lab used. 26. Known allergies to lurasidone or Latuda®, cycloserine or Seromycin®, or the following excipients: mannitol, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and/or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). 27. Participation in any clinical trial with an investigational drug or device within the past 3 months or planned concurrent study participation. 28. Study site personnel and/or persons employed by NRx Pharma, Inc., the Contract Research Organization (CRO), the investigator, or study site (i.e., permanent, temporary contract worker, or designee responsible for the conduct of the study), or an immediate family member (i.e., spouse, parent, child, or sibling [biological or legally adopted]) of such persons. Positive urine toxicity screening for use of any cocaine, opiates, nonprescribed amphetamines, or non-prescribed barbiturates. (Note: cannabinoids or marijuana use is not exclusionary, unless patient meets the DSM-5 criteria for cannabis withdrawal). 30. Patients with pacemakers and/or any implants including metal in the head except the mouth (cochlear implant, implanted brain stimulators, aneurysm clips) 31. Individuals with an intracranial lesion or increased intracranial pressure

Trial locations and contacts

3 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Martin Goodwin, PhD contact

18443977272

mgoodwin@nrxdefense.com

United States3 sites, 3 recruiting
  • Harvard Mclean Hospital

    Belmont, Massachusetts, 02478

    Kerry Ressler, MD, 617-855-4210, kressler@mclean.harvard.edu

    Recruiting
  • HOPE Study Site

    Sarasota, Florida, 34239

    Kimberly H Joffe, APRN, PMHNP, 561-372-8705, kjoffe@hopetherapeutics.com

    Rebecca Cohen, MD, 18443977272, rcohen@hopetherapeutics.com

    Recruiting
  • HOPE Accelerated Care

    West Palm Beach, Florida, 33417

    Kimberly H Joffee, APRN, PMHNP, 561-277-3088, recruitment@hopetherapeutics.com

    Rebecca Cohen, MD, (941) 559-8500, rcohen@hopetherapeutics.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Comparison of NRX-101 vs. Placebo for Adults Being Treated With Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment Resistant Depression: The SPARC-TMS Trial

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a significant public health problem and leading cause of worldwide disability. Treatment resistance is common in MDD, however, for these individuals, targeted noninvasive brain stimulation is an alternative. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and more recently, theta-burst stimulation (TBS), are the noninvasive brain stimulation modalities with the largest evidence base in MDD. Although efficacious, an unacceptable proportion of patients do not significantly improve, and several aspects of the TMS parameter space are under investigation to enhance clinical outcomes.

This study will compare Rapid Robotically-guided Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (RRTMS) combined with an investigational neuroplasticity-inducing medication (NRX-101) to the effects of (1) sham TMS treatment and (2) placebo in achieving clinical response and remission from depression in patients with Treatment Resistant Depression.

Read more

DCS has been shown in a randomized trial of more than double the percent response and remission from traditional TMS. When a one day (ONE-D) TMS protocol was combined with DCS, the measured response rate was 87% at one week.

This trial will compare response and remission at six weeks following neuronavigated robotic-enabled Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation + NRX-101 (D-cycloserine/lurasidone) vs. TMS+placebo.

Read the detailed description

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a significant public health problem and leading cause of worldwide disability. Treatment resistance is common in MDD, however, for these individuals, targeted noninvasive brain stimulation is an alternative. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and more recently, theta-burst stimulation (TBS), are the noninvasive brain stimulation modalities with the largest evidence base in MDD. Although efficacious, an unacceptable proportion of patients do not significantly improve, and several aspects of the TMS parameter space are under investigation to enhance clinical outcomes.

Current treatments for Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD), such as oral antidepressants and conventional daily TMS, are limited. They require weeks of daily outpatient treatment, have modest response rates of 30-50%, and are not effective for many patients. In particular they are not generally suitable for military personnel, first responders, and others with demanding jobs. While some accelerated TMS protocols exist, there is no approved single-day treatment that provides a rapid and durable response. Furthermore, no existing treatments have leveraged the synergistic effect of combining TMS with a pharmacological agent that enhances its mechanism of action in a large-scale, FDA-pivotal trial.

The purpose the "Synaptic Plasticity Augmented Rapid Circuit Stimulation (SPARC-TMS)" trial is to determine whether a single day of Rapid Robotically-controlled Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (RRTMS) with robotic guidance can be effective in achieving clinical response and remission from depression. SPARC-TMS is a 240-patient, randomized controlled trial to establish the first validated single-day treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The project combines RRTMS with the investigational drug NRX-101 (a combination of D-cycloserine and lurasidone) that may have the effect of increasing the formation of new connections between brain cells (neuroplasticity).

The SPARC-TMS trial is funded by the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as part of the Strengthening Resilient Emotions and Nimble Cognition through Engineering Neuroplasticity (STRENGTHEN) program. https://www.darpa.mil/research/programs/strengthening-resilient-emotions The program recognizes that since September 11, 2001, more than 30,000 active duty members and veterans have taken their own lives - a tragic toll that represents four times the number of those killed in post-911 military operations. Developing effective approaches to prevent suicide is a top priority within the Department of Defense.

The SPARC-TMS protocol aims to demonstrate:

  • Durability and Efficacy: Establishing a treatment that provides a long-lasting, robust antidepressant effect.
  • Mechanism of Action: Gaining a deeper, mechanistic understanding of how this combination therapy works. rTMS and TBS are believed to depend on synaptic plasticity in targeted circuits. Yet, there are several lines of evidence to suggest that synaptic plasticity is not intact in MDD, such as impaired learning and memory and lower expression of trophic factors.Using TMS as a tool to probe synaptic plasticity, individuals with MDD have reduced long-term potentiation-like facilitation in the motor cortex and prefrontal cortex. Importantly, this is observed with the intermittent TBS (iTBS) protocol used in MDD treatment. As such, iTBS treatment effects may be constrained by impaired synaptic plasticity in MDD.

One potential strategy to improve outcomes is to adjunctively target the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor during stimulation, an ionotropic glutamate receptor and key regulator of synaptic plasticity.Synaptic plasticity with continuous and intermittent TBS is NMDA-receptor dependent, as antagonists abolish the effects of both protocols.We have shown that targeting the NMDA receptor with low doses of the partial agonist, D-cycloserine (DCS), normalizes long-term motor cortex plasticity in individuals with MDD. Moreover, it results in greater persistence of iTBS-induced changes compared with placebo.However, a demonstration that these physiological effects have an impact on treatment outcomes is needed

DCS has been shown in a randomized trial of more than double the percent response and remission from traditional TMS. When a one day (ONE-D) TMS protocol was combined with DCS, the measured response rate was 87% at one week.

This trial will compare response and remission at six weeks following neuronavigated robotic-enabled Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation + NRX-101 (D-cycloserine/lurasidone) vs. TMS+placebo.

Being tested
Neuronavigated robotic-enabled TMS, NRX-101, Sham TMS, Oral Placebo
Keywords
Depression, TRD, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, TMS, neuronavigation, cycloserine, D-cycloserine, NRX-101, NMDA
Medical subject headings
Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant, Depression

What participants receive

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

  • Neuronavigated robotic-enabled TMSDevice

    One Day TMS Protocol performed with the Zeta Surgical neuronavigated robotic-enabled system and the neurocare Apollo TMS Device 30 Theta burst pulses delivered as per protocol

  • NRX-101Drug

    D-cycloserine 175mg + Lurasidone 8.5mg

  • Sham TMSDevice

    An Apollo TMS device configured not to deliver effective energy to the brain

  • Oral PlaceboDrug

    An oral placebo capsule visually identical to NRX-101

Study groups in NCT07227103
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation plus NRX-101ExperimentalParticipants are treated with Robotic Rapid TMS plus NRX-101 175mg DCS/8.5mg Lurasidone once on day of treatment
Receives: Device: Neuronavigated robotic-enabled TMS; Drug: NRX-101
Transcranial Magnetic StimualtionPlacebo comparatorParticipants are treated with Robotic Rapid TMSS plus placebo once on day of treatment
Receives: Device: Neuronavigated robotic-enabled TMS; Drug: Oral Placebo
Sham TMS + NRX-101ExperimentalParticipants will be treated with Sham TMS (i.e. a TMS coil that does not deliver effective energy to the brain) + NRX-101 175mg DCS/8.5mg Lurasidone once on day of treatment
Receives: Drug: NRX-101; Device: Sham TMS

What is being measured

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

  1. MADRS Depression

    Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale Total Score

    Measured: 6 weeks

  2. CGI-SS Suicidality

    Clinical Global Impression Suicidality Scale

    Measured: 6 weeks

Secondary outcomes (4)
  1. Percent Response on MADRS

    Percent Response from Depression

    Measured: Six weeks

  2. Percent Remission from Depression on MADRS

    Percent Remission from Depression

    Measured: Six weeks

  3. Percent Remission from Suicidality on CGI-SS

    Percent Remission from Suicidality

    Measured: Six weeks

  4. PHQ-9 Depression Scale

    PHQ-9 Depression Scale

    Measured: 6 weeks

Timeline

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

  1. First posted12 Nov 2025
  2. Study start1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion31 Dec 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Jun 2028 (estimated)

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 2/3
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
240 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07227103
Sponsor's protocol ID
NRX101-011
Acronym
SPARC-TMS
Status last verified
Oct 2026
First submitted
9 Nov 2025
Last updated
21 Oct 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
Yes
Individual data sharing
Yes
Expanded access
Available

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 2/3 study testing Neuronavigated robotic-enabled TMS and NRX-101 in people with Treatment Resistant Depression and Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD), run by NeuroRx, Inc. at 3 sites in United States.

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

Who may be eligible to take part?

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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 3 sites in United States. 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. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this combined phase mean?

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

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?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

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

Contact Martin Goodwin, PhD (18443977272, mgoodwin@nrxdefense.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

MADRS Depression (time frame: 6 weeks). 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?
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 21 Oct 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 26 Oct 2026.

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