Stanley Medical Research Institute - Treatment Trials and Drug Development (Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder)

The largest program at SMRI is for the identification of medications that will improve the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Although medications have been available since the 1960s, they have proven to be only partially effective. Many individuals affected with these diseases continue to have symptoms even when taking available medications, while others find it difficult to take medications because of side effects.

I.  Regular Treatment Trials

The purpose of this program is to support the testing of medications to assess their efficacy for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. At any given time, SMRI is supporting 40-50 treatment trials, the majority of which are generic and/or off-label medications. SMRI expects to fund 5-10 additional trials this year. To view a list of SMRI-funded trials, click on List of Awarded Treatment Trials. To view a description of a trial, click on the "select" button to the left of the grant identification number. The list can be sorted numerically/alphabetically by clicking on a column head.

What drugs can be tested?

SMRI is most interested in supporting research on the efficacy of drugs for which pharmaceutical companies are unlikely to be interested because the drugs lack commercial potential. Such drugs include those which have lost patent protection, off-label indications, repurposing, etc. SMRI aims to support clinical trials testing the efficacy of compounds or biological interventions. Although studies can include a psychosocial component, studies that have a psychosocial intervention as the primary focus will not be considered, nor will analyses of existing data, or trials of drugs focused on alleviating side effects of existing medications. 

Who is eligible to apply?

Applications will be accepted from researchers in any country except where prohibited by United States law. The skills and academic experience of the applicant will be considered, but no particular academic degree is required.

How are applications submitted, and when is the deadline?

Applications must be submitted electronically on the SMRI website by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on October 1 of each year.