Ketamine for the treatment of depression with anorexia nervosa
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN26462355 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN26462355 |
| ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT) | Nil known |
| Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) | Nil known |
| Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) | 340838 |
| Protocol serial number | MRC REF: MR/Y019504/1, CPMS 67666 |
| Sponsors | King's College London, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust |
| Funder | Medical Research Council |
- Submission date
- 17/06/2025
- Registration date
- 17/06/2025
- Last edited
- 16/07/2025
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Overall study status
- Ongoing
- Condition category
- Mental and Behavioural Disorders
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that can lead to dangerously low body weight and has one of the highest death rates of any mental health condition. Around one in three people with anorexia develop a long-lasting form of the illness, often alongside depression. Unfortunately, traditional antidepressants don’t work well for people with both anorexia and depression. This study, called the EDEN project, is exploring whether a medication called ketamine—already used in the UK to treat depression—might help people with both conditions feel better and regain the motivation to recover.
Who can participate?
You may be able to take part if you:
-Are aged 18 or over
-Have had anorexia nervosa for at least 3 years
-Are currently experiencing depression that hasn’t improved with treatment
-Weigh at least 40kg and have a BMI of 14 or higher
-Are willing and able to attend all study sessions in person and online
What does the study involve? (for participants)
The study includes 13 sessions over 6 months:
-1 screening session (in person) to check if you’re eligible
-1 online session with questionnaires and computer tasks
-8 in-person sessions where you’ll take either ketamine or a placebo (a dummy pill), chosen at random
-1 in-person follow-up session with more questionnaires, tasks, and a blood test
-2 online follow-up sessions with questionnaires and tasks
Each in-person dosing session lasts about 3 to 4 hours and takes place in the morning.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
The main benefit is the potential for relief from depression, which may help improve motivation and hope for recovery from anorexia. However, as this is a research study, there is no guarantee of benefit. There may also be side effects from ketamine, and some people may find the time commitment or procedures challenging. The study team will monitor your health closely throughout.
Where is the study run from?
King’s College London (UK)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
The study starts on 1st August 2025 and will be recruiting participants until 1st April 2027. Each person’s involvement will last about 6 months.
Who is funding the study?
The study is funded by the Medical Research Council through its Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme (UK)
Who is the main contact?
eden@kcl.ac.uk
Contact information
Scientific, Principal investigator
IoPPN, 16 De Crespigny Park
London
SE5 8AB
United Kingdom
| Phone | +44 207 848 0187 |
|---|---|
| hubertus.himmerich@kcl.ac.uk |
Public
IoPPN, 16 De Crespigny Park
London
SE5 8AB
United Kingdom
| Phone | +44 207 848 0071 |
|---|---|
| eden@kcl.ac.uk |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Single centre double-blinded (participant researchers assessors and analyst) randomized placebo-controlled feasibility study |
| Secondary study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | A randomised-controlled feasibility study of ketamine for the treatment of depression with anorexia nervosa |
| Study acronym | EDEN |
| Study objectives | To assess the feasibility and acceptability of oral ketamine as a treatment for individuals with anorexia nervosa and severe depression which hasn't responded to one or more treatments. |
| Ethics approval(s) |
Approved 12/06/2025, London Riverside Research Ethics Committee (2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ, United Kingdom; +44 207 104 8150; riverside.rec@hra.nhs.uk), ref: 25/LO/0279 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Treatment of depressive symptoms in people with anorexia nervosa (duration of at least 3 years) and comorbid severe depression that has not responded to at least one treatment. |
| Intervention | 60 participants will be randomised (1:1) to receive four weeks of oral ketamine 60-180mg (2 x weekly) or placebo. Trial participation will consist of three phases: i) screening, ii) dosing sessions (comprising eight in-person dosing sessions), iii) follow-up phase (3 months and 6 months after baseline). During the dosing phase, participants will be randomised, based on a computer-generated randomisation schedule, to either oral ketamine (KET-IR; Keticap® Immediate Release, manufactured by Neurocentrx Ltd.) or placebo, twice weekly for a total of four weeks. KET-IR is a novel formulation of immediate-release ketamine hydrochloride within a HPMC capsule. The medication is delivered as 60mg capsules, therefore participants in this trial will ingest one, two or three capsules (depending on their dosage) which will be delivered in a “double dummy” approach whereby participants will always ingest three capsules. The placebo will be visually identical. On their first in-person dosing session, all participants will receive one capsule of IMP (equivalent to 60mg KET-IR) or placebo. Participants will self-administer the dose under supervision. Following adequate safety and tolerability, the dose will be increased to two capsules of IMP (equivalent to 120mg KET-IR) or placebo, at the second dosing session. If safety and tolerability is not met, the dose may remain at one capsule. The dose may be increased to a maximum of 180mg (3 capsules) following adequate safety and tolerability. A “double-dummy” approach will be taken whereby participants will always ingest three visually identical capsules. If allocated to the KET-IR arm, on the first dose, they will ingest one KET-IR capsule and two placebo capsules, and if the dose is increased, they will ingest two KET-IR capsules and one placebo, and so on. The placebo group will always ingest three placebo capsules. |
| Intervention type | Drug |
| Phase | Phase II |
| Drug / device / biological / vaccine name(s) | KET-IR a novel formulation of immediate-release ketamine hydrochloride within a HPMC capsule, and a visually-identical placebo capsule. |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
Study feasibility: |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
Study acceptability |
| Completion date | 01/05/2028 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient, Service user |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Upper age limit | 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 60 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Signed informed consent form 2. SE-AN as defined by i) a primary diagnosis of AN as specified in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-11 and ii) at least 3 years history of AN (since diagnosis), based on medical records, clinical assessment, BMI, MINI at screening 3. Severe depression with a failed treatment attempt, as defined by i) severe depression as specified in the ICD-11 and ii) non-response or failure to achieve remission after one or more treatments recommended by NICE for severe depression. 4. Aged 18 years old or above at screening 5. Capacity to consent 6. Screening Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥14kg/m² 7. Weight above 40kg 8. At low risk for suicidality as assessed by the research team 9. Medically stable as determined by screening: clinical interview, clinical laboratory values, vital signs, ECG and medical history. 10. Agreement to follow the contraception requirements of the study. 11. Registered with a General Practitioner (GP) in the UK, and agreement for the team to maintain contact with the GP and/or specialist ED team for the duration of the study. |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Cardiovascular conditions, including stroke, myocardial infarction or clinically significant arrythmia within 1 year of screening, uncontrolled hypertension, bradycardia, abnormalities on ECG (e.g., elongated QT interval corrected by Fridericia), based on an assessment of medical history and ECG and vital signs at screening. 2. Clinically significant abnormalities in laboratory tests at screening, including full blood count, total bilirubin, creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). 3. Any other clinically significant physical illness or contraindication (e.g. but not limited to, renal, hepatic, pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal) that the investigator deems may interrupt the participation in the study or pose a health risk for the participant if they were to take part in the study. 4. Relevant neurological comorbidity, in particular dementia; lifetime seizures; epilepsy; increased intracranial pressure. 5. Recent heart or head surgery. 6. Significant weight loss (≥2kg) in the month before screening. 7. Weight loss of over 1kg per week between screening and baseline. 8. (For females of childbearing potential) Unwillingness to follow the contraceptive requirements of the study, and to take pregnancy tests throughout the study. 9. (For females) Current breastfeeding. 10. Recent illicit drug use as determined by urine drug screening at the screening visit. 11. Hypersensitivity to the study drug (KET-IR or placebo) or any of its excipients 12. Dosage in any investigational drug or device study within three months of screening or any other study that may constitute a contraindication for taking ketamine. 13. Blood or needle phobia. 14. No email access. 15. Previous or current alcohol or substance use disorder as assessed by medical history, the MINI, ASSIST and urine toxicology at screening. 16. Previous or current psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder, as assessed by a review of medical history and the MINI. 17. Previous or current schizoid, schizotypal, paranoid, histrionic, antisocial or narcissistic personality disorder, as based on medical history, the Standardised Assessment of Personality (SAPAS), the Personality Assessment Questionnaire for DSM-11 (PSQ-11) and clinical judgment 18. Current panic disorder or panic attacks/episodes within the past year, as determined by the MINI and clinical judgment 19. Significant suicide risk at screening, as assessed by suicidal behaviours during the previous year as assessed through clinical interview and medical records; suicidal ideation or significant suicidal risk expressed in the C-SSRS or during clinical interview. 20. Self-reported exposure to ketamine therapeutically or recreationally within the past six months. 21. Use of contraindicated medications as listed in the protocol. |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/08/2025 |
| Date of final enrolment | 01/10/2027 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- England
Study participating centre
16 De Crespigny Park
London
SE5 8AB
United Kingdom
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Data sharing statement to be made available at a later date |
| IPD sharing plan | The data-sharing plans for the current study are unknown and will be made available at a later date |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Editorial Notes
16/07/2025: Internal review.
17/06/2025: Trial's existence confirmed by London Riverside Research Ethics Committee.
