We are pleased to share that the first patient has now been dosed in a Phase 2 clinical trial – a study exploring a new, more personalised approach to treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
This trial is investigating a treatment that targets brain pathways linked to stress regulation. The study focuses on people with a specific biological pattern thought to play a role in depression, particularly when the body’s stress response system isn’t working as it should.
To help identify the right patients, the trial uses a patient selection tool that looks at biological markers, including genetic information, to find those who may benefit most from this targeted treatment. The goal is to move beyond the current “trial and error” model of prescribing antidepressants, and toward treatments tailored to an individual’s biology i.e., precision psychiatry that is focused on personalising mental health treatment by tailoring interventions to individual differences in biology, environment and lifestyle.
“It’s exciting to see research moving toward more personalised approaches in mental health,” explains Dr Shoona Vincent, VP of Clinical Science at MAC. “By focusing on biologically defined subgroups, studies like this have the potential to improve outcomes for patients who don’t respond to conventional treatments.”
MAC Clinical Research is proud to be supporting this important study by providing full-service CRO support as well as investigator site services. The study is being conducted across eight of our UK sites and will continue over the coming months, with results expected in the first half of 2026.
Researchers will be looking at how well the treatment works, how it affects day-to-day functioning, and how patients feel overall during and after the treatment period.
We are proud to be contributing to research that could offer new hope to people living with depression, especially those who haven’t found relief through standard treatments.
