Biomarkers to guide early schizophrenia treatment
2/5-Biomarkers to Enhance Early Schizophrenia Treatment (BEEST)
['FUNDING_R01'] · FEINSTEIN INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH · NIH-11184465
This project will use brain scans and genetic tests to help doctors choose the best antipsychotic medications for teens and young adults (about ages 12–20) having their first episode of psychosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | FEINSTEIN INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MANHASSET, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11184465 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This trial will enroll roughly 410 teens and young adults who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis. Each participant will receive biomarker testing, including a resting-state brain scan (fMRI) and genetic tests that help predict weight gain and rare blood risks like agranulocytosis. Participants will be randomized so that some clinicians use those biomarker results to guide whether to switch earlier to clozapine while others follow usual care, with the team tracking symptoms, side effects, and treatment timing. The investigators plan to combine findings into a decision-support tool to help clinicians pick safer, faster treatments for people who do not respond to first-line antipsychotics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are teens and young adults (approximately 12–20 years old) who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis and are starting or recently started antipsychotic treatment.
Not a fit: People with long-standing schizophrenia, those outside the stated age range, or those not treated at participating clinical sites are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help doctors identify earlier who needs clozapine and who can avoid its risks, speeding effective treatment and reducing harmful side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work from this team showed that resting-state fMRI and specific genetic tests can predict nonresponse to first-line antipsychotics and risk of side effects, but applying these biomarkers in a randomized, clinical decision-making trial is new.
Where this research is happening
MANHASSET, UNITED STATES
- FEINSTEIN INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH — MANHASSET, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MALHOTRA, ANIL K — FEINSTEIN INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH
- Study coordinator: MALHOTRA, ANIL K
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 below.