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Placebo

Prebiotics for Schizophrenia (FOCIS Trial)

N/A
Recruiting
Led By Robert Buchanan, M.D.
Research Sponsored by University of Maryland, Baltimore
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Be between 18 and 65 years old
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 12 weeks

Summary

This trial will test whether an anti-inflammatory drug can help improve symptoms in people with schizophrenia.

Who is the study for?
Adults aged 18-60 with a stable condition of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, not on recent immune therapy or prebiotic treatment, and without severe brain injury, gastrointestinal disorders, substance misuse (except mild marijuana use), intellectual disability, pregnancy, or acute antibiotic use.
What is being tested?
The trial is testing the effects of a prebiotic supplement versus a placebo in people with schizophrenia. The goal is to see if the prebiotic can reduce inflammation and improve cognitive impairments associated with the illness.
What are the potential side effects?
While specific side effects are not listed for this trial, common side effects from prebiotics may include bloating, gas, discomfort in the digestive system or allergic reactions.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~12 weeks
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 12 weeks for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Change in serum butyrate levels
Cognition
Incidence of Side Effects
Secondary study objectives
Change in Affective Symptoms
Change in Negative Symptoms
Change in Positive Symptoms
+2 more

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Active Control
Placebo Group
Group I: Active Study MedActive Control1 Intervention
Participants randomized to active study medication will mix 4g of powder prebiotic with water, 3 times a day for 12 weeks.
Group II: PlaceboPlacebo Group1 Intervention
Participants randomized to active study medication will mix 4g of powder placebo with water, 3 times a day for 12 weeks.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)NIH
858 Previous Clinical Trials
672,258 Total Patients Enrolled
University of Maryland, BaltimoreLead Sponsor
713 Previous Clinical Trials
379,432 Total Patients Enrolled
Robert Buchanan, M.D.Principal InvestigatorUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore

Media Library

Placebo Prebiotic (Placebo) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT05527210 — N/A
Schizoaffective Disorder Research Study Groups: Placebo, Active Study Med
Schizoaffective Disorder Clinical Trial 2023: Placebo Prebiotic Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT05527210 — N/A
Placebo Prebiotic (Placebo) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT05527210 — N/A
~23 spots leftby Jan 2026