Identifying a biomarker to predict response to anxiety therapy

2/2-CO2 Reactivity as a Biomarker of Non-Response to Exposure-Based Therapy

NIH-funded research Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11062536

This study is looking at how your body's reaction to carbon dioxide might help doctors figure out if exposure therapy will work for you if you have anxiety, so they can tailor your treatment to fit your needs better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11062536 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how reactivity to CO2 can serve as a biomarker to predict whether patients will respond to exposure-based therapy for anxiety and related disorders. By assessing CO2 reactivity in 600 adults with anxiety disorders before they undergo treatment, the study aims to develop a reliable method for clinicians to determine the likelihood of treatment success. The approach builds on previous findings linking the orexin system to fear extinction, which is a key mechanism in exposure therapy. If successful, this research could lead to more personalized treatment options for patients struggling with anxiety.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, or trauma-related disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have anxiety-related disorders or who are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help identify patients who are less likely to benefit from exposure-based therapy, allowing for more tailored and effective treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers to predict treatment responses, making this approach a potentially valuable advancement in the field.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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 Anxiety Disorders
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.