Using biomarkers to improve treatment decisions for early schizophrenia
Official title: 5/5 Biomarkers to Enhance Early Schizophrenia Treatment (BEEST)
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10979817 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help young adults who are having their first experience with psychosis by creating a tool that uses brain scans and genetic tests to help doctors decide if clozapine is the right treatment for them, especially if other medications haven't worked.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $397,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH134901-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979817 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 have not responded to conventional antipsychotic medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a first episode of psychosis or those who are already successfully managed on current antipsychotic treatments 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 from brain scans and genetic tests to guide clinicians in choosing the most effective treatment, specifically when transitioning to clozapine for those who do not respond to first-line antipsychotics. By identifying patients who are likely to benefit from clozapine while minimizing risks of severe side effects, the study seeks to enhance treatment precision and outcomes. 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 effective and personalized treatment options for patients 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 patient populations, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cadenhead, Kristin S. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Cadenhead, Kristin S.
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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.