At least 3 new IRB-approved clinical trials studying ketamine for pediatric suicidal ideation or treatment-resistant depression open enrollment at U.S. academic medical centers before 2027-01-01.

At least three major U.S. academic hospitals will start FDA (U.S. drug regulator) approved clinical trials testing ketamine for young people who are suicidal or resistant to antidepressants by the end of 2026. This matters because ketamine already has FDA approval for adults, which makes it far easier for hospitals to test in children. Suicidal youth represent a genuine emergency that has bipartisan political support, so hospitals have strong incentive to move fast.

Pediatric suicidal ideation represents a genuine unmet need with bipartisan political cover. Ketamine is already FDA-approved (esketamine for adults), lowering IRB risk threshold for pediatric extension studies. A positive pilot RCT result (per today's intelligence) typically generates 3-5 follow-on trial registrations within 12 months. ClinicalTrials.gov provides a clear, auditable resolution mechanism.