Biotype-based Treatment Personalization for Resistant Late-Life Depression
Official title: Biotype-assigned Augmentation Approach in Resistant late life Depression (BAARD)
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11563870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multi-site study will test a personalized treatment approach for older adults with depression who haven’t responded to initial antidepressants, using a machine-learning tool to guide augmentation choices.
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) | $1,557,997 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3MH137353-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11563870 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with treatment-resistant late-life depression who are candidates for augmentation strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with depression not meeting augmentation criteria or with contraindications to ARI or BUP may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on prior trials showing ARI and BUP augmentation can help about a third of older adults with treatment-resistant depression. It will develop and validate a machine-learning BAARD algorithm that uses biotype information and high-throughput neuroimaging data to guide antidepressant augmentation decisions. In a new prospective randomized trial, the algorithm-guided treatment will be compared to random assignment, across US and Canadian sites, including CAMH in Toronto. The study relies on an integrated data architecture to process and harmonize imaging and clinical data across sites. If successful, this approach could lead to more precise, faster relief for older adults with difficult-to-treat depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Patients could receive more effective, personalized treatment choices that may improve remission rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous RCTs suggest augmentation can achieve meaningful remission, and this study tests a novel personalization approach in a larger, multi-site setting.
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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Biotype-based Personalization of Antidepressant Augmentation in Late-Life Depression
A multi-site study will test a computer-guided approach to choosing the best augmentation option for older adults with treatment-resistant depression.
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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.