The Safety and Efficacy of Microbial Ecosystem Therapeutic-2 in People With Major Depression – A Phase 2,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Study: Clinical Results: Innocuité et efficacité du traitement de l'écosystème microbien (met–2) dans la dépression majeure – une étude de phase 2 à double insu contrölée par placebo : résultats cliniques

Abstract

Objectives:

This study examines the safety and efficacy of a fecal transplant alternative, Microbial Ecosystem Therapeutic-2 (MET-2), in improving symptoms of depression. The primary objective of this study is to assess changes in depressive symptoms before, during, and after administration of MET-2 in comparison to placebo. Mood-related symptoms such as anxiety and anhedonia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and safety of the therapeutic were also assessed using both self-report and clinician-rated measures.

Methods:

Twenty-nine participants (n = 29) experiencing a major depressive episode were recruited from the Kingston and Toronto areas. Participants orally consumed MET-2, an encapsulated microbial therapeutic containing 40 different strains of bacteria, or placebo alternative, once daily for 6 weeks with a 2-week follow-up. Participants underwent a series of clinical assessments used to measure mood, anxiety, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Results:

There was a significant improvement in depressive symptomology over time as determined by Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale scores (p < 0.0001); however there was no significant difference between placebo and MET-2 groups (p = 0.338). No serious adverse events were reported. The findings of this study are the first to provide evidence for the role of oral microbial therapeutics, such as MET-2, as treatment for symptoms of depression.

Conclusions:

Though there are positive trends suggesting a greater improvement in depressive symptomology among the MET-2 group compared to the placebo group, a larger sample size is needed for more conclusive results. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04602715.