Pharmacist-guided genetic testing for antidepressant therapy

Pharmacist Guided Pre-emptive Pharmacogenetic Testing in Antidepressant Therapy

Not applicable Interventional University of Basel · NCT04507555

This study tests if using genetic testing to guide antidepressant treatment helps people with depression feel better compared to standard care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment190 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Basel Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Münchenbuchsee, Canton of Bern and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04507555 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study at the Solothurn Psychiatric Clinic evaluates the effectiveness and tolerability of antidepressant medications by comparing a group receiving pharmacist-guided pharmacogenetic testing to a standard care group. In the intervention group, medication selection and dosing are tailored based on genetic testing results, while the standard group follows conventional practices without genetic input. Patients are monitored for progress after the first week of hospitalization, with random assignment to groups based on the need for medication adjustment. All medications used are approved for treating depression in Switzerland.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with moderate to severe unipolar depression or recurrent depressive disorder.

Not a fit: Patients with acute suicide risk, psychotic symptoms, or other serious psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective and personalized antidepressant therapy for patients with depression.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using pharmacogenetic testing to optimize antidepressant therapy, suggesting this approach may be beneficial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥ 18 years old
* Diagnosis unipolar moderate or severe depressive episode or recurrent depressive disorder (ICD10: F32.1/32.2/33.1/33.2)
* HAM-D17 ≥ 17

Exclusion Criteria:

* Acute suicide risk
* Psychotic symptomatology
* Other acute serious psychiatric disorder other than depression
* Excessive consumption of alcohol and/or drugs
* Severe acute - or severe chronic somatic diseases
* Pregnant / lactating women
* Under current treatment with fluoxetine

Where this trial is running

Münchenbuchsee, Canton of Bern and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Depression
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.