Investigating how glutamate affects psychosis in schizophrenia

Glutamatergic mechanisms of psychosis and target engagement

NIH-funded research New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · NIH-10477423

This study is looking at how certain brain chemicals, especially glutamate, affect schizophrenia symptoms that don't get better with regular treatments, and it's trying to find new ways to help people who haven't had success with current medications.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10477423 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of glutamatergic mechanisms in schizophrenia, particularly how they relate to psychotic symptoms that do not respond to standard treatments. The study aims to refine a specific biomarker, known as ketamine-induced pharmacoBOLD (phBOLD), to better identify effective glutamate-based treatments. By exploring the interactions between dopamine and glutamate, the research seeks to pave the way for new medications that could help patients with schizophrenia who have not found relief from existing antipsychotic drugs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who experience persistent psychotic symptoms despite treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with schizophrenia who are currently stable on their antipsychotic medications and do not experience psychotic symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with schizophrenia, particularly those who do not respond to current medications.

How similar studies have performed: While glutamatergic approaches have shown promise in preclinical models, this specific biomarker refinement and its application in clinical settings is a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
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.