A portable system for quick genetic testing in patients with major depression
Official title: A Portable, Low-Cost, Pont-of-care Microfluidic System for Rapid Pharmacogenomic Screening of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11145799 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a handy, affordable tool that helps quickly check how your genes might affect how well certain depression medications work for you, so you can get the right treatment faster and with fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $613,761 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH137467-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11145799 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder who are currently struggling with medication management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have major depressive disorder or those who are not seeking pharmacological treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a low-cost, portable microfluidic system that can rapidly screen patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) for genetic variations affecting drug metabolism. By analyzing specific genes responsible for drug processing, the system aims to provide personalized medication recommendations, reducing the reliance on trial-and-error prescribing. Patients will benefit from a more targeted approach to treatment, potentially leading to quicker relief from symptoms and fewer adverse drug reactions. The methodology involves advanced bioassays and algorithms to interpret genetic data efficiently.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer medication options for patients with major depressive disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using genetic testing to guide medication choices, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Venton, B. Jill — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Venton, B. Jill
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Single-cell map of mood circuits in major depressive disorder
Researchers will map the tiny brain cells in mood-control areas to understand how genes and cell types relate to depression, with attention to ancestry and sex.
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This project is creating a small, affordable device that rapidly reads genes that affect how people with major depressive disorder process antidepressants to help choose safer, more effective medicines.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.