The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, a non-profit research organization, received a $608,943 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) under the Mental Health Research Grants (CFDA 93.242) program. The goal of this 5-year study is to develop a decision support tool to guide the use of the antipsychotic medication clozapine for patients experiencing a first episode of psychosis. The study will characterize 410 patients using three biomarkers - a functional brain scan, and genetic tests for predicting weight gain and risk of agranulocytosis. Approximately 180 patients predicted to not respond well to conventional first-line antipsychotics but have low risk of clozapine side effects will be randomized to receive either clozapine or a first-line antipsychotic. The study will evaluate clinical outcomes, including positive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and hospitalization days, as well as changes in brain function. The resulting clozapine decision support tool is intended to enable more personalized and effective treatment for patients experiencing their first psychotic episode.
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