Pregnenolone for People With Both Cannabis Use Disorder and Depression
Tests pregnenolone in adults who have both cannabis use disorder and depression.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Pregnenolone for Cannabis Use Disorder and Depression
Key facts
- Where
- Dallas and Richardson, United StatesSee the 2 sites
- Phase
- Phase 1/2
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 50 years old?
Source: NCT07685964, who can take part
Where in United States
- UT Southwestern Medical CenterDallas, United StatesNo longer taking part
- University of Texas at DallasRichardson, United StatesNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- Trial code
- NCT07685964
- Record updated
- 6 July 2026
- Original description
This is UG3 phase of a multi-site, milestone-driven UG3/UH3 research program evaluating pregnenolone for individuals with co-occurring cannabis use disorder (CUD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Pregnenolone is a neurosteroid that modulates cannabinoid receptor signaling and may reduce cannabis-related effects while also improving mood-related symptoms.Read full original descriptionShow less
Advancing Pregnenolone as a Novel Therapy for Co-Occurring Cannabis Use Disorder and Depression
This is UG3 phase of a multi-site, milestone-driven UG3/UH3 research program evaluating pregnenolone for individuals with co-occurring cannabis use disorder (CUD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Pregnenolone is a neurosteroid that modulates cannabinoid receptor signaling and may reduce cannabis-related effects while also improving mood-related symptoms.
The primary objective of the UG3 phase is to establish feasibility and generate preliminary data to support a subsequent UH3 randomized clinical trial. Key preparatory activities include obtaining regulatory approvals (including FDA Investigational New Drug [IND] protocol amendment and Institutional Review Board approvals), harmonizing study procedures across participating sites, and implementing data management and monitoring systems.
The UG3 phase includes two main components. First, a pharmacokinetic study willcharacterize pregnenolone pharmacokinetics in adults with CUD and MDD, including measures such as half-life and clearance. Second, a pilot clinical study will evaluate the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of pregnenolone administered orally over approximately 12 weeks. Feasibility outcomes include recruitment rates, retention, and adherence to study procedures, while safety and tolerability will be assessed through adverse event monitoring and discontinuation rates.
Participants will be adults aged 18 to 50 years with diagnoses of cannabis use disorder and major depressive disorder, who report frequent cannabis use and express interest in reducing their use. Clinical assessments of cannabis use, mood symptoms, and related behavioral outcomes will be collected.
The UG3 phase will be used to refine study procedures, inform dosing strategies, and establish benchmarks necessary for progression to the UH3 phase. The subsequent UH3 phase will involve a multi-site, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of pregnenolone in reducing cannabis use and improving depressive symptoms in this population.
Inclusion: Adults aged 18 to 50 years; Diagnosis of cannabis use disorder according to DSM-5 criteria; Diagnosis of major depressive disorder according to DSM-5 criteria; Cannabis use on at least 4 days per week in the past 4 weeks; Positive urine screen for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); Willingness to reduce cannabis use; Medication-free or on a stable dose of antidepressant medication; Able to provide informed consent.
Exclusion: Use of medications that may interfere with study drug or outcomes, unless stable; Current diagnosis of other substance use disorders (except nicotine); Current or past diagnosis of psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, or severe psychiatric conditions; Significant or unstable medical conditions that would interfere with study participation; Allergy or sensitivity to pregnenolone or related compounds; History of hormone-sensitive cancer or tumor; Pregnant or breastfeeding; Active suicidal or homicidal ideation requiring immediate intervention.