Treatment of Bipolar Depression With Pentoxifylline

Growing evidence has demonstrated that inflammation and alterations in cerebral blood flow (CBF) contribute to the pathophysiology of bipolar depression (BD). Pentoxifylline is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that improves CBF and has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. We therefore hypothesize that pentoxifylline may have antidepressant effects in BD. We will conduct an 8-week, open-label, single-armed, feasibility study assessing clinical and neurobiological effects of adjunctive pentoxifylline in the acute treatment of BD. Feasibility will be determined by evaluating recruitment/retention rates, target engagement (e.g., changes in biomarkers with pentoxifylline treatment) and preliminary efficacy testing with 6 participants. Evaluating pentoxifylline's effects may further our understanding of BD pathophysiology and help identify novel treatment targets.