Eating disorders genetics initiative 2: a big study to understand the biology of BED and related conditions
Official title: 2/3 Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative 2
Funded at Queensland Institute of Medical Research · NIH-11312624 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large international study will collect DNA and health data from people with eating disorders to uncover genetic factors that influence these conditions and move toward better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Queensland Institute of Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Herston, Australia) |
| Project start | May 6, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $511,083 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH136157-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11312624 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, ARFID, and healthy controls who can provide consent and participate in online assessments and DNA collection.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not willing or able to participate in genetic studies or online assessments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
EDGI2 brings together multiple global sites to enroll about 20,000 participants, including those with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, ARFID, and controls. We will collect DNA, clinical information, and harmonized online assessments to map genetic factors across eating disorders. Advanced genetic analyses will explore how genes, biology, and behavior connect to these conditions and identify patient subgroups that may respond to different treatments. The project aims to generate insights that could inform precision approaches to prevention and care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to more precise understanding of eating disorders and ultimately targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous EDGI studies showed successful genetic discovery and the feasibility of large-scale international collaboration.
Where this research is happening
-
Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Herston, Australia Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martin, Nicholas G — Queensland Institute of Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Martin, Nicholas G
Related research
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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.