RecruitingObservational

Evaluating the role of IL-17 as an orchestrator of peripheral-central cross talk in depressive symptoms

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can cause body-wide inflammation, and some people also experience depression. This study wants to find out if medicines that block a specific protein called IL-17, already used to treat these conditions, can also help with depressive symptoms. Researchers will use special brain scans to check for changes in brain chemicals linked to mood and to see how different parts of the brain communicate. Participants will receive either the IL-17 blocking medicine straight away or a dummy treatment for a short time, before everyone gets the active medicine as part of their normal care. The aim is to understand if reducing body inflammation through these medicines can also improve mood by affecting brain processes.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Enrolment target

Start

27 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2027

Depressive symptoms in people with active psoriatic disease and how IL-17 inhibition affects inflammation in brain and immune processes.

What is this study about?

This research study is looking into a connection between inflammation in the body and depression, specifically in people who have conditions like psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. These conditions cause inflammation, and many people with them also experience symptoms of depression. We want to understand if a particular type of medicine, called an 'IL-17 blocker', could help with both.

IL-17 blocking medicines work by targeting a protein called IL-17, which is involved in inflammation. We know these medicines can effectively treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. But we're now investigating if reducing inflammation in the body with these medicines might also have a positive effect on the brain and, in turn, on mood. The study uses advanced brain scans, like MRI, to measure brain chemicals linked to mood and to observe how different areas of the brain interact.

Essentially, we're trying to see if there's a 'cross-talk' between inflammation in the body and processes in the brain that influence mood. The goal is to learn more about this connection, as it could eventually lead to better ways to help people with inflammatory conditions who are also struggling with depression.

Key takeaways

Investigating if inflammation in the body affects depression in the brain.
Focuses on people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis who are starting IL-17 blocker medicines.
Uses advanced brain imaging to observe changes in mood-related brain chemicals.
Compares immediate treatment with a short placebo period before active medicine.
Aims to improve understanding and future treatments for depression with inflammatory diseases.
Runs from June 2025 to October 2027 in Glasgow.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 74 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. You must already have been chosen by your specialist doctor (dermatologist or rheumatologist) to start a specific type of medicine called an IL-17 blocker (like secukinumab, bimekizumab, or ixekizumab) according to NHS guidelines.

It's important that you are fit enough for an MRI scan and don't have any metal in your body that would make it unsafe. You'll also need to have passed the usual health checks required before starting these biologic medicines, such as tests for TB or hepatitis. If you're a woman who could become pregnant, you'll need to agree to use effective contraception throughout the study.

Some things would mean you couldn't take part. This includes if you can't give your clear consent, have certain severe physical problems, currently have a serious infection, or have inflammatory bowel disease. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, suffer from severe claustrophobia, or have certain neurological conditions, you also won't be able to join. Lastly, if you've recently taken other specific types of biologic medicines (within the last 6 months) or are allergic to any ingredients in the study medicines, you wouldn't be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 74 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis?
Has your specialist already decided you will start an IL-17 blocking medicine (secukinumab, bimekizumab, or ixekizumab)?
Are you able to have an MRI scan?
Have you passed the standard health checks needed for these medicines?
If you're a woman who could get pregnant, are you willing to use effective contraception?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be placed into one of two groups by chance, like flipping a coin. One group will start the IL-17 blocking medicine straight away. The other group will receive a dummy treatment (placebo) for a short period before starting the active medicine later on. This ‘waiting period’ for the placebo group is designed to be similar to current waiting times for these medicines on the NHS.

Throughout the study, you will have several appointments involving specialized brain scans, such as MRI, MRS, and EEG, to look at brain chemicals and activity. You will also fill out questionnaires about your mood and general health. All participants will eventually receive the IL-17 blocking medicine as part of their standard care. The study is planned to run from June 2025 to October 2027.

Potential risks and benefits

You might not get a direct personal benefit from taking part, but the information we gather could greatly improve our understanding of depression linked to inflammatory diseases and help develop better treatments in the future. Risks are generally low and similar to what you'd experience with routine care. These can include some discomfort during the MRI scans, possible side effects from the study medicine (which your doctor will discuss with you), and a small chance that if you receive the placebo first, the start of your active treatment might be slightly delayed. However, all medicines used in the study are already approved and routinely prescribed for psoriatic disease. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Imaging Centre of Excellence (ICE) at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
Unverified
Glasgow, Scotland

Common questions

What is IL-17 and why is it important?

IL-17 is a protein in your body that plays a key role in inflammation. In conditions like psoriasis, there's too much IL-17, leading to skin and joint problems.

What is a 'placebo'?

A placebo is a dummy treatment that looks like the real medicine but contains no active ingredients. It helps researchers compare the effects of the active medicine fairly.

Will I know if I'm getting the actual medicine or the placebo?

No, this is a 'blinded' study, meaning neither you nor your study doctors will know which treatment you are on initially. Everyone eventually receives the active medicine.

Where is this study taking place?

The study is being run from the Imaging Centre of Excellence at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, Scotland.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is funded by the Medical Research Council, which is a UK government organisation that supports important medical research.

How to find out more

Maxine Arnott

Maxine.Arnott@glasgow.ac.uk +44 7890059695 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.