← Back to Search

NMDA Receptor Antagonist

Ketamine for Chronic Pain and Depression (PEAK Trial)

Phase 4
Recruiting
Led By Theresa Lii, MD, MS
Research Sponsored by Stanford University
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Age 18 to 70 years old
Chronic pain present for at least 3 months
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up from date of opening enrollment to the date of consent from the last participant, assessed up to 60 months
Awards & highlights
Pivotal Trial
Drug Has Already Been Approved

Summary

This trial aims to see if ketamine is more effective than a placebo in treating chronic pain and depression in adults. Participants will receive either ketamine or a placebo infusion during sedation with propofol

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults aged 18-70 who have had chronic pain for at least 3 months and are currently experiencing depression. Participants must be able to follow the study's procedures and communicate effectively in English about any adverse events or important clinical information.
What is being tested?
The trial is testing if ketamine is more effective than a placebo (saline) in treating chronic pain and depression when given as a single infusion during sedation with propofol. The study also evaluates patient comfort with sedation and how expectations might influence outcomes.
What are the potential side effects?
Possible side effects include those related to ketamine, such as changes in blood pressure, nausea, dizziness, disorientation, or mood swings. Propofol may cause reactions like pain at the injection site, low blood pressure, or temporary breathing issues.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
Select...
I am between 18 and 70 years old.
Select...
I have been experiencing chronic pain for at least 3 months.
Select...
I am currently experiencing depression.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~from date of opening enrollment to the date of consent from the last participant, assessed up to 60 months
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and from date of opening enrollment to the date of consent from the last participant, assessed up to 60 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Pain intensity in the past 24 hours
Secondary study objectives
Depression severity
Other study objectives
Anhedonia
Anxiety symptom severity
Change in pain medication utilization
+17 more

Awards & Highlights

Pivotal Trial
The final step before approval, pivotal trials feature drugs that have already shown basic safety & efficacy.
Drug Has Already Been Approved
The FDA has already approved this drug, and is just seeking more data.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Active Control
Placebo Group
Group I: KetamineActive Control1 Intervention
A one-time intravenous infusion of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg)
Group II: SalinePlacebo Group1 Intervention
A one-time intravenous infusion of normal saline

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Stanford UniversityLead Sponsor
2,491 Previous Clinical Trials
17,518,124 Total Patients Enrolled
39 Trials studying Chronic Pain
9,909 Patients Enrolled for Chronic Pain
Theresa Lii, MD, MSPrincipal InvestigatorStanford University
~27 spots leftby Nov 2026