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This proof-of-concept trial investigated whether blocking interleukin-6 (IL-6) signalling with tocilizumab could improve symptoms in adults with difficult-to-treat depression. Thirty participants were randomized to tocilizumab (14 participants) or placebo (16 participants), with 29 receiving an infusion. At day 14, the adjusted between-group difference in somatic depressive symptoms was −0.12 points (95% CI, −2.51 to 2.28), indicating little evidence of a clear short-term effect on the primary outcome. Tocilizumab nevertheless produced a rapid and sustained reduction in C-reactive protein, confirming its biological anti-inflammatory activity. The study was small and was not powered to establish definitive efficacy; its results were compatible with both no meaningful effect and a potentially important benefit. The authors concluded that the findings can guide patient selection, outcome measurement and design of larger trials, rather than support routine use of anti-inflammatory treatment for depression.
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This proof-of-concept trial investigated whether blocking interleukin-6 (IL-6) signalling with tocilizumab could improve symptoms in adults with difficult-to-treat depression. Thirty participants were randomized to tocilizumab (14 participants) or placebo (16 participants), with 29 receiving an infusion. At day 14, the adjusted between-group difference in somatic depressive symptoms was −0.12 points (95% CI, −2.51 to 2.28), indicating little evidence of a clear short-term effect on the primary outcome. Tocilizumab nevertheless produced a rapid and sustained reduction in C-reactive protein, confirming its biological anti-inflammatory activity. The study was small and was not powered to establish definitive efficacy; its results were compatible with both no meaningful effect and a potentially important benefit. The authors concluded that the findings can guide patient selection, outcome measurement and design of larger trials, rather than support routine use of anti-inflammatory treatment for depression.
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