Using biomarkers to choose the best antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression.

Biomarker-Guided Antidepressant Selection for Treatment-Resistant Depression

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10977993

This study is looking to help people with tough-to-treat depression by finding the best antidepressant for them using special tests, and it will compare two fast-acting treatments, ketamine and rTMS, to see which works better for each person based on their unique brain characteristics.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10977993 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving treatment for individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) by using biomarkers to guide the selection of antidepressants. It aims to compare two effective treatments, ketamine and accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), which can provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms. By understanding individual differences in how patients respond to these treatments, the research seeks to minimize the trial-and-error approach currently used by clinicians. The project will involve developing and testing a new method to match patients with the treatment that is most likely to be effective for them based on their unique neurobiological profiles.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression who have not responded to standard antidepressant therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with mild depression or those who have not been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more effective treatment options for patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers to predict treatment responses in depression, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

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 2026-06-10 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.