Biotype-based Personalization of Antidepressant Augmentation in Late-Life Depression
Official title: Biotype-assigned Augmentation Approach in Resistant late life Depression (BAARD)
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11625616 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multi-site study will test a computer-guided approach to choosing the best augmentation option for older adults with treatment-resistant depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $529,185 |
| NIH project number | 3UH3MH137353-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11625616 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21+ with treatment-resistant depression who may benefit from augmentation with aripiprazole or bupropion and are willing to participate in a multi-site trial.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who respond to initial antidepressants or cannot tolerate augmentation medications may see limited or no benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses data from past trials to train a machine-learning algorithm that personalizes augmentation therapy (ari p zip) for late-life depression. The plan includes a prospective randomized trial to compare the personalized algorithm-guided treatment to standard random assignment. It relies on a high-throughput imaging and data-integration system developed at CAMH in Toronto to run the algorithm. The study is centered at Washington University with international collaboration and will recruit adults aged 21 and older with treatment-resistant depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more effective, personalized augmentation strategies for late-life depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous RCTs showed about a 29% remission with augmentation; this study aims to personalize that approach for better results.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nicol, Ginger E — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Nicol, Ginger E
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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.