Research | MAPrc

Research at MAPrc

A medical consult during a clinical trial

The Multidisciplinary Alfred Psychiatry research centre (MAPrc) translates basic and clinical research conducted on-site and from research published in peer-reviewed journals to inform clinical trials of potential new treatments and solutions for a variety of mental health conditions, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), menopausal depression, anorexia nervosa, and more.

Many of our trials are co-conducted with partner site HER Centre Australia as a part of the ongoing collaborative partnerships between Monash University, Alfred Health, and MAPrc.

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Please see below for a list of clinical trials and research currently being conducted at our centre:

Depression & Major Depressive Disorder

Trial: Hearts and Minds: A 3-arm Multicentre, Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Study of Metformin and Atorvastatin for the Treatment of Depression

Sponsor: Deakin University

Hearts and Minds is a 3-arm multicentre, randomised, double-blind, trial of atorvastatin (40 mg daily) and metformin (2000 mg daily) for the treatment of depression in people who remain symptomatic after a trial of established therapy. This is a 16-week placebo-controlled trial with a 6 month follow up period.

Schizophrenia

Trial: Bazedoxifene in women with Schizophrenia

Sponsor: Stanley Medical Research Institute

This is a 12 week trial of bazedoxifene, which is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). Bazedoxifene uses the positive effects of estrogen, such as improving emotional symptoms, memory, information processing, concentration, and bone density, without affecting other parts of the body, such as the breast and ovaries.

Lead: HER Centre Australia

Anxiety & Panic Disorder

Trial: Efficacy and Safety of HB-1 for Panic Disorder: A Multicentre, Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Sponsor: HP Biotech

The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of HB-1 versus placebo in male and female adult patients aged 18 to 60 years, inclusive, with Panic Disorder.

Menopause, Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) & Menopausal Depression

Trial: A randomised double-blinded interventional trial of estradiol and zoloft to treat menopausal depression

Lead: HER Centre Australia

Depressive symptoms are prevalent among middle-aged women, especially during the menopausal transition. However, the impact of menopause on depression is often overlooked, leading to inadequate treatment and poor outcomes. While current guidelines recommend traditional antidepressants as first-line management, the evidence for hormonal therapy is limited. To address this gap, this clinical trial will compare the efficacy of MHT (estradiol) and antidepressants (Zoloft) in treating menopausal depression.

Trauma Disorders

Trial: The Alison Project: A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled investigation of adjunctive memantine in the treatment of symptoms of complex trauma disorder

Lead: HER Centre Australia

Sponsor: Wolinski Foundation

The Alison Project investigates the use of memantine 20mg (compared to placebo) in men and women with cPTSD and aims to improve symptom severity using validated and sensitive measures. Despite the high prevalence, economic impost and individual suffering, biological research in cPTSD remains in its infancy. A new approach with a new treatment option is urgently needed. A way forward is to view cognitive disturbance in cPTSD as underpinning all the key symptoms including emotional instability, aggression, impulsivity, dissociation, as well memory and learning impairments. The glutamatergic system, in particular the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) subtype receptor, is increasingly recognised for its role in cPTSD, with recent neurobiological research linking NMDA neurotransmission dysfunction (overactivity) to cPTSD symptomatology. Memantine is a NMDA antagonist that has been used to improve cognition in Alzheimer’s disease.

Eating Disorders

Clinical trials in eating disorders at MAPrc are co-conducted with HER Centre Australia, and in particular through the Li Transformative Hub for Research into Eating Disorders (Li-THRED) — an initiative established out of a generous donation from Mr David Li (AM) and Mrs Angela Li, with additional support provided by OneinFive.

Click here to learn more about Li-THRED.

Trial: Estradiol Patch for Anorexia Nervosa: A Novel Therapeutic Approach

Lead: HER Centre Australia

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a 50mcg/day transdermal estradiol patch in treating anorexia nervosa (AN). Building on preliminary evidence suggesting estradiol's role in mood, cognition, bone health, and appetite regulation, this study aims to explore its therapeutic potential in addressing the multifaceted symptoms of AN.