The CADET Trial

A new treatment trial for depression
Do you have depression?
Are you interested in a new potential treatment?

The Aim

There is evidence from basic science and human studies that candesartan may have anti-depressant properties. The Deakin University led trial aims to assess if this commonly prescribed and well tolerated blood pressure medication, candesartan, may help people with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.

The trial aims to test if candesartan 16mg a day, in addition to usual treatment, helps to reduce symptoms of depression and improve general quality of life.

The Reason

Depression may, in part, be caused by inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. Candesartan may help to reduce this inflammation and oxidative stress and protect neurons against stress. Candesartan may therefore be beneficial in reducing symptoms of depression.

Key Points for Participation

  • There will be no costs involved to be on the trial
  • Participants can continue on their usual treatments as long as there are no known interactions with candesartan.
  • The trial will last for 16 weeks
  • Study visits at a research site will be required every 2 to 4 weeks throughout the trial
  • Participants will be randomly allocated to receive either the active medication – candesartan or placebo (an inactive substance that does not contain any candesartan).
  • Safety will be monitored throughout the study by blood tests and blood pressure monitoring at study visits
  • Once enrolled in the study, participants will receive reimbursement of travel expenses up to $20 at each visit completed.

If you would like to receive more information about the study that might contribute to reducing depression or enquire about participating, please contact us on:

Email: cadet-trial@deakin.edu.au

Geelong - 0402 196 595
Melbourne (Richmond) - 0456 969 411
Melbourne (Eastern Health) – 0481 911 601
Melbourne - 03 9279 3569
Brisbane - 0481 189 040

Alternatively, if you would like us to contact you please fill in the form below and a research team member will be in touch in the next few business days.

Information provided through this form will be securely stored online at Deakin University in a password protected file and will only be accessible by approved CADET research staff for the purpose of contacting you for the CADET trial. If you do provide contact information and go on to participate in the study you will be assigned a unique participant number. Your name and personal details will then be stored separately from any study information and forms.

Ethics review
BH HREC: CADET-BD = 19/166, CADET-UD = 20/15
Deakin HREC: CADET-BD = 2020-425, CADET-UD = 2020-424
TMC REC: CADET-BD = 334, CADET-UD = 335
Eastern Health HREC: CADET-BD = E20/012/61681, CADET-UD = E20-024-69103
Loading... Loading...
You have selected an option that triggers this survey to end right now.
To save your responses and end the survey, click the 'End Survey' button below. If you have selected the wrong option by accident and/or wish to return to the survey, click the 'Return and Edit Response' button.