Enoxolone in Major Depression - Biomarker-outcome Relationship

Many different forms of depression exist. It is difficult to predict to what treatment a given patient with depression responds. Studies demonstrate that biomarkers can help to distinguish different forms of depression. Simple markers, like aldosterone/cortisol in body fluids, blood pressure and inflammation markers , have been identified as predictors of therapy resistance in depression. Enoxolone is a molecule derived from the licorice plant and has demonstrated an effect on these biomarkers, which may imply an improved response. The current randomized placebo controlled study is assessing whether the presence of markers of therapy resistance can predict a preferential effect of enoxolone vs. placebo on clinical outcome. Secondarily, it is tested whether these markers change differentially in the treatment groups. Finally, the relationship between the change of the markers and clinical change will be assessed.