Improving cognitive function in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia using clozapine.
Official title: Accelerated Neuromodulation of Prefrontal Circuitry during Clozapine Treatment
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10726660 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how clozapine can help improve thinking skills, especially working memory, in people with schizophrenia who haven't responded to other treatments, and it will use special brain techniques to see how different parts of the brain work together to boost these skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $420,685 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH134128-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10726660 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who are currently receiving or have received clozapine treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with schizophrenia who do not meet the criteria for treatment resistance or those not on clozapine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how clozapine treatment can enhance cognitive function, particularly working memory, in individuals with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. It aims to explore the relationship between brain circuitry and cognitive performance, utilizing advanced techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation to potentially accelerate improvements. By focusing on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and its connectivity with other brain regions, the study seeks to develop new strategies to address cognitive deficits that persist even after clozapine treatment. Patients may be monitored over time to assess changes in cognitive abilities and overall functioning.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cognitive function and better daily functioning for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using transcranial magnetic stimulation to enhance cognitive function in related conditions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarpal, Deepak K — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Sarpal, Deepak K
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Elastomeric membranes for safer pelvic organ prolapse repair
A new 3D-printed elastomeric membrane made from polycarbonate urethane is being tested to replace stiff polypropylene meshes for pelvic organ prolapse in women, aiming to reduce complications.
-
Role of hyaluronan in egg development and ovarian reserve
This grant studies how the hyaluronan matrix in the ovary affects the aging of the female reproductive system and the pool of eggs available.
-
Regulatory switches that control imprinting in early human development
This grant studies how certain genes stay “one-copy” active in early development and what goes wrong in assisted reproduction, with a focus on imprinting disorders.
-
Identifying molecular signs of imprinting errors linked to fertility treatments
This grant studies how assisted reproductive technologies may cause imprinting errors in embryos and how these errors relate to certain birth conditions, with implications for families using infertility treatments.
-
Bioadhesive vaginal film for 7-day protection against HIV, HSV, and pregnancy
A vaginal film that slowly releases antibodies to prevent HIV, HSV, and unintended pregnancy for about a week from a single use.
-
Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and culture in patients
Researchers are testing a way to transplant or grow sperm-producing cells back in boys and men who stored tissue before cancer treatment, to help them have biological children in the future.
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.