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Study identifier: NCT07474974 Synced from ClinicalTrials.gov · August 08, 2026
● Study status: RecruitingBRIGHT

ipRGC as a Potential Biomarker for Predicting Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment Response in Major Depressive Disorder

Condition: Depression - Major Depressive Disorder · Treatment Resistant Depression  ·  Sponsor: Polytechnic Institute of Porto

PhaseNA
Planned participants44
Who can joinAll sexes, 18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteersNoCheck eligibility criteria ↓
WherePorto, Porto District, Portugal

Interested? Contact the study team ↓

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About this study

This research explores the potential of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), particularly intrinsically photosensitive RGCs (ipRGCs), as biomarkers for predicting response to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). We also aim to assess the impact of TMS treatment on RGCs and ipRGCs in TRD patients, investigating associations with clinical improvements and cognitive status. A clinical trial involving 44 patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) will be conducted. All participants will receive rTMS targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Data will be collected pre- and post-intervention, as well as at a 2-month follow-up, using multiple outcome measures, including the post-illumination pupil response (PIPR). The project seeks to confirm the effectiveness of TMS and the potential of RGCs/ipRGCs as predictors of treatment response, thereby facilitating the development of personalized treatment strategies for TRD patients undergoing rTMS therapy.

This description comes directly from the study's public registry record.

Talk to the study team

Inês Duarte D Pais, MSc  ·  +351 917750656  ·  idp@ess.ipp.pt

Catarina C Mateus, PhD  ·  +351 962662157  ·  cms@ess.ipp.pt

There is no obligation to join — the study team can answer your questions about taking part.

Always discuss trial participation with your own doctor first.

Full eligibility criteria (exactly as the study team wrote them)

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of MDD, confirmed via the structured clinical interview; * TRD type; * Age between 18-65 years; * Visual acuity of 20/32 or better. Exclusion Criteria: * Prior rTMS treatment; * Contraindications for TMS; * Psychiatric disorders other than MDD; * Systemic diseases affecting the eyes (e.g., diabetes mellitus); * Ocular conditions; * Head injuries causing loss of consciousness; * Current or past alcohol/substance dependence within 6 months; * Neurodegenerative diseases; * Major neurological illnesses; * Use of medications affecting iris mechanics or the autonomic nervous system.

Reproduced word-for-word from the public registry record — the study team can answer questions about it.

Locations (1)

RISE-Health, Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research (TBIO), School of Health, Polytechnic of PortoPorto, Porto District, PortugalRecruiting

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