Using brain biomarkers to guide treatment for depression
Official title: Efficacy of biomarker-guided rTMS for treatment resistant depression
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11044119 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain patterns can help find the best type of magnetic treatment for people with depression who haven't found relief from other options, so they can get more personalized care and hopefully feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2019 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $996,679 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH118388-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044119 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder who have not responded to conventional antidepressant treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild depression or those who have not been diagnosed with major depressive disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific brain biomarkers can help determine the most effective type of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for patients with treatment-resistant depression. By identifying distinct subtypes of major depressive disorder (MDD) based on brain connectivity patterns, the study aims to personalize treatment by targeting either the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. Patients will undergo assessments to identify their biomarker profile, which will guide the selection of the rTMS treatment they receive. The goal is to improve remission rates beyond the current 30-40% achieved with standard rTMS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of patients who achieve remission from treatment-resistant depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using biomarker-guided approaches for depression treatment, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liston, Conor M — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Liston, Conor M
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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.