MicroRNAs as Biomarkers in First Episode Schizophrenia

This study is looking into whether tiny molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) can help doctors diagnose schizophrenia and see how well treatments like aripiprazole or risperidone are working. These miRNAs are found in special brain-derived "packages" (neural-derived extracellular vesicles, or NDEs) that travel from the brain into your blood. Currently, diagnosing and monitoring schizophrenia relies mostly on talking with doctors, which can be less precise. This study aims to find more objective ways. You might be able to join if you are between 15 and 40 years old and have been recently diagnosed with a first episode of psychosis, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, or psychosis Not Otherwise Specified (NOS). The study will measure the diagnostic performance of these miRNAs at the start of the study and their ability to predict how you respond to treatment after 12 weeks. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study with a planned enrollment of 160 participants. It involves collecting blood samples to analyze specific microRNAs and genetic information.
What's involved
You would provide blood samples at the beginning of the study and again after 12 weeks. One blood sample will also be used for whole genome sequencing.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The study will assess treatment response at Week 12, using baseline NDE miRNA levels.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07703670

MicroRNAs as Biomarkers in First Episode Schizophrenia

Recruiting
NAAges 15–40InterventionalDiagnostic
Northwell Health
~160 participants
Updated 2026-07-14 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Plasma NDE miRNA SequencingWhole Genome Sequencing

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Diagnostic performance of plasma NDE miRNA panel
Measured over Baseline (Week 0)
+1 more outcome measured
Schizophrenia Disorder
Schizophreniform Disorder
Schizoaffective Disorder
Psychosis Not Otherwise Specified (NOS)
1 sites across 1 states
New York1
  • Juan Gallego, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Northwell Health

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

Check eligibility for this trial ~2 min · HIPAA-protected · delete anytime
Eligibility criteria

Exclusion

Participant voluntarily withdraws consent at any given time during the study
Loss of capacity to consent during the study
Treating psychiatrist determines that the participant requires an antipsychotic medication other than aripiprazole or risperidone due to adverse effects, poor tolerability, poor response, or any other reason
The investigator, sponsor, independent safety monitor, or DSMB determines discontinuation is necessary to protect the participant
Pregnancy is discovered during the study
  • Diagnostic performance of plasma NDE miRNA panelBaseline (Week 0)

    Sensitivity, specificity, and Area Under the Curve (AUC) of a panel of plasma NDE miRNAs in differentiating acutely psychotic First-Episode Schizophrenia (FES) participants from Healthy Volunteers (HV), assessed using Binary Elastic Net Regression and machine learning models.

  • Predictive performance of baseline plasma NDE miRNA levels for treatment responseBaseline NDE miRNAs predicting response at Week 12

    Predictive performance (AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity) of baseline plasma NDE miRNA levels for clinical response to antipsychotic treatment (aripiprazole or risperidone). Treatment response defined as all 4 BPRS Thought Disturbance factor items below psychotic level (\<4) for 2 consecutive ratings with concomitant CGI ratings of much/very much improved.