Biomarkers 2016 Autumn Workshop Description

Co-Chairs: Steven Potkin, MD / Donald Goff, MD

During the development of the ISCTM Workshop publication “Biomarkers for Drug Development in Early Psychosis: Current Issues and Promising Directions” a crucial gap in the literature was identified.   Very few studies compare multiple biomarkers and the methodology used across studies is rarely comparable; as a consequence, meaningful comparisons are not currently possible.  The consensus was that another hundred studies of biomarkers in schizophrenia without addressing these deficiencies will be of limited value.

Workshop Objective:

The workshop will consider feasibility of designing and funding a prospective study to remedy these deficiencies with an ADNI-like study of early psychosis/schizophrenia. ADNI is a successful longitudinal study of mild cognitive impairment supported by academia, industry federal and foundation support. What lessons can we learn from ADNI in designing, forming and funding such a partnership?

Deliverable:
The Biomarkers committee will investigate potential designs and logistics for such a study.