May 23, 20231 min read

CADET Trial: New treatment trial for bipolar disorder

Updated: Dec 1, 2023

Do you have bipolar disorder?

Are you interested in a new potential treatment?

The Aim

There is preclinical and clinical evidence that candesartan may have anti-depressant properties. The Deakin University led trial aims to assess if the commonly prescribed blood pressure medication, candesartan, may help to reduce symptoms of depression in bipolar disorder, in addition to usual treatment.

The trial aims to investigate if candesartan 16mg a day may help to reduce some symptoms of bipolar depression and improve general quality of life.

The Reason

Bipolar disorder may, in part, be caused by inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. Candesartan, a commonly used blood pressure medication, may help to reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress and restore some neuronal function. Candesartan may be beneficial in reducing symptoms of bipolar depression.

Key Points of Participation

There will be no costs involved to be on the trial
Participants can continue on their usual treatments
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
Once enrolled in the trial, you will receive reimbursement of travel expenses up to $20 at each visit completed.