Using biomarkers to improve treatment for early schizophrenia
Official title: 4/5 Biomarkers to Enhance Early Schizophrenia Treatment (BEEST)
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10978982 · 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 find the best treatment for them, especially if the usual medications aren't working.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $365,726 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH134884-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978982 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 are not experiencing a first episode of psychosis or those who have already responded well to first-line 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 help clinicians determine the best treatment options, especially when first-line antipsychotics are ineffective. By identifying patients who are likely to respond to clozapine, the study seeks to enhance treatment precision and reduce the risks associated with delayed medication changes. 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 timely treatment options for patients with early schizophrenia, potentially reducing long-term disability.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers for treatment decisions in psychiatric conditions, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in care.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lahti, Adrienne C — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Lahti, Adrienne C
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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.