Using biomarkers to improve treatment decisions for early schizophrenia
Official title: 3/5- Biomarkers to Enhance Early Schizophrenia Treatment (BEEST)
Funded at Mclean Hospital · NIH-10979207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help young people who are having their first experience with psychosis by creating a tool that uses brain scans and genetic tests to find the best treatment for them, especially if they might not do well with regular medications, so they can get the right help faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mclean Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Belmont, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $389,921 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH134885-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979207 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults experiencing their first episode of psychosis who may not respond to conventional antipsychotic medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing their first episode of psychosis or those who are already stable on their current treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on patients experiencing their first episode of psychosis, particularly in late adolescence or early adulthood. It aims to develop a decision support tool that utilizes biomarkers, including brain scans and genetic tests, to help clinicians determine the most effective treatment options for these patients. By identifying individuals who may not respond to standard antipsychotic medications, the study seeks to facilitate timely transitions to clozapine, a more effective but riskier treatment. The research will involve a multi-center clinical trial with 410 participants to validate these biomarkers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies for individuals with early schizophrenia, potentially reducing the risk of lifelong disability.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers for treatment decisions in similar populations, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Mclean Hospital
Belmont, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ongur, Dost — Mclean Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ongur, Dost
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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.