Evaluating the risks and benefits of new brain treatments in early trials

The RATIOS Study: Risk/benefit AssessmenT by IRB review of Phase One Studies

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-10754263

This study is looking at how review boards make sure new treatments for brain disorders are safe and beneficial during early testing, and it aims to help patients understand what they might face by improving the information they receive before joining a trial.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10754263 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) assess the risks and benefits of new treatments for neurological disorders during Phase 1 clinical trials. It focuses on improving the informed consent process by ensuring that patients receive clear and comprehensive information about potential risks and benefits. The study aims to identify reliable methods for evaluating preclinical efficacy data, especially for innovative techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 and brain organoids. By addressing the challenges faced by IRBs, the research seeks to enhance the ethical conduct of clinical trials and protect patient interests.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals considering participation in Phase 1 clinical trials for neurological conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with established neurological disorders who are not eligible for Phase 1 trials may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for patients with neurological disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While the ethical assessment of clinical trials is a well-explored area, this specific focus on novel preclinical techniques is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Davis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions DisorderDisease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.