Inflammation-Driven Depression Gets a New Target in Small Trial

TL;DR Summary
A small randomized trial (n=30) tested tocilizumab, an IL-6 blocker used for inflammatory diseases, in treatment-resistant depression with signs of inflammation. Participants receiving the drug showed greater improvement in depression, fatigue, anxiety, and quality of life, with a higher remission rate (54% vs. 31%) and an NNT of 5, suggesting a potential immune-based approach to treating depression, though larger phase III trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety.
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