Experimental Therapeutics and Molecular Pathophysiology (ETMP) Program
The mission of the Experimental Therapeutics and Molecular Pathophysiology Program (ETP) is to conduct clinical (proof of concept studies) and translational (targeted biomarkers of response) in Mood Disorders. The ETP focuses on testing new or repurposed, experimental agents for psychiatric disorders in Proof of Concept clinical trials, and develop IP. In addition, the ETP evaluates target engagement and biomarkers of response of these drugs using imaging, biochemical and genetic tools. This approach uses biomarkers to predict response to medications, allowing a better understanding of the brain mechanisms involved in therapeutic response in the context of personalized medicine. Ongoing projects involve the Clinical Trials Unit at the Harris County Psychiatric Center, the UT Physicians Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic-Behavioral and Biomedical Sciences Building and the UTHealth CRU at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.
Directed by Rodrigo Machado-Vieira, MD, PhD MSc, The ETP has active collaborations with other academic institutions and Pharma sponsored trials. Current projects and research opportunities at the Experimental Therapeutics and Molecular Pathophysiology Program (ETP) include:
The following clinical trials and projects are available:
Clinical Trials:
Esketamine for Treatment Resistant Depression, Phase 4, Janssen
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of each individual dose of esketamine nasal spray, 56 milligram (mg) and 84 mg, compared with placebo nasal spray in improving depressive symptoms in participants with treatment resistant depression (TRD), as assessed by the change from baseline in the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score from Day 1 (prerandomization) to the end of the 4 week double-blind treatment phase (Day 28).
Contact: Courtney Vecera, 713-741-6043
Intranasal Ketamine for Suicidal ideation Comorbid with Alcohol Abuse
This project aims to evaluate the potential rapid and sustained antisuicidal and antidepressant effects of a single intranasal dose of ketamine in inpatients during a mood episode in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Bipolar Disorder (BD) with or without comorbid recent abuse of alcohol.
Contact: Courtney Vecera, 713-741-6043
Projects:
Evaluation of Biochemical and Epigenetic Biosignatures of Tears Exosomes in Depression and Sadness
The purpose of this study is to collect data on possible biomarkers of depression in human tears in order to better our understanding of the disease and potential treatments.
Contact: Courtney Vecera, 713-741-6043
Epigenetic Biomarkers of Suicidal Ideation
To investigate longitudinal changes in epigenetic markers (i.e., genome-wide DNA methylation levels) in patients during an acute suicidal episode and after its resolution.
Contact: Ana Ruiz, 713-741-3951
Director
Rodrigo Machado-Vieira, MD, PhD, MScDirector of Experimental Therapeutics and Molecular Pathophysiology Program