Principal Investigator: Khalid Almansoori
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Study Period: January 1, 2026 – March 2026
Status: Ongoing — protocol and parameters subject to refinement
This clinical research investigates the use of advanced pharmacological interventions in the United Arab Emirates for patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) or treatment‑resistant depression (TRD) who have not responded adequately to standard treatments. The primary focus is on evaluating the clinical effectiveness of Spravato (esketamine), an NMDA receptor antagonist developed by Johnson & Johnson, in alleviating depressive symptoms in this population within a real‑world clinical setting in Dubai.
Treatment‑resistant depression remains a major clinical challenge, with a subset of patients showing limited or no response to conventional antidepressant regimens. Novel agents such as esketamine, which modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission via NMDA receptor antagonism, have emerged as potential options for individuals who do not benefit from traditional monoaminergic therapies. This study is positioned within the context of the UAE’s growing adoption of advanced psychiatric treatments and aims to document outcomes in a local clinical environment.
The study follows a clinical observational framework in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder or treatment‑resistant depression who are receiving Spravato as part of their therapeutic plan in Dubai. Symptom severity is monitored using standardized depression rating scales over the course of treatment, with assessments conducted at baseline and at predefined follow‑up intervals between January and March 2026. Data collection focuses on symptom change, response patterns, and overall clinical trajectory.
This research represents one of the early structured efforts in the UAE to document the clinical impact of esketamine‑based treatment in patients with limited response to conventional therapies. Findings are expected to contribute to a better understanding of how advanced pharmacological strategies can be integrated into regional mental health practice and may inform future protocols, larger studies, and translational work in neuropsychopharmacology.
This study is ongoing and parameters, analyses, and interpretations are subject to refinement as additional data are collected between January and March 2026.