The Clinical Trials Unit

The Clinical Trials Unit offers children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with a wide range of psychiatric disorders an opportunity to participate in innovative research and clinical trials.

Our team of experienced psychiatrists and clinicians promotes excellence in clinical care through cutting edge research on the latest medications and novel therapeutic options in hopes of improving patient outcomes and quality of life.


Staff | Overview | Participate in a Clinical Trial | Active Clinical Trials | Upcoming


Current Staff


Overview

Psychiatric clinical trials are highly regulated research studies using human volunteers to test the safety and efficacy of novel psychiatric drugs and treatments. Clinical trials are essential for developing new methods to prevent, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders. By participating in a clinical trial, patients can take an active role in managing their symptoms, gain access to novel research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by advancing our scientific understanding of the causes and contributors of psychiatric conditions.

CLINICAL TRIALS UNIT

The Clinical Trials Unit is located on the Hartford Hospital / Institute of Living campus in Hartford, CT. The service, directed by Dr. Mirjana Domakonda, conducts controlled, clinical testing in human subjects of investigational psychiatric drugs, therapeutic modalities, or combined treatments that are currently in development but not yet approved for use in routine clinical care. Investigational drugs and/or treatments can only be administered to eligible individuals who are enrolled in a formal research study.

All research and clinical studies at the Clinical Trials Unit are conducted under investigator-initiated or industry-sponsored protocols with financial support from pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and/or non-profit entities. The Hartford Healthcare Institutional Review Board, in conjunction with study sponsors and regulatory authorities, reviews, approves, and oversees all research and clinical trials at the Clinical Trials Unit.

Below you can find more information about currently running research and clinical trials and participant eligibility criteria. If you or a loved one are interested in participating in a research or clinical trial, please contact us by calling 860.545.7476.


Participate in a Clinical Trial

COVID-19 Update: In an effort to protect the health and safety of our staff and study participants, the Clinical Trials Unit conducts screening prior to entering the building and requires that all participants and visitors wear a facial mask during their visit.

Our current and upcoming studies are listed below. For more information or to see if you or your loved one are eligible to participate in an ongoing or upcoming study, please email us at clinical.trials@hhchealth.org or call us 860-545-7476. We look forward to hearing from you.


Active Clinical Trials

Now Recruiting

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER WITH SLEEP DISTURBANCE

42847922MDD3005 (Janssen) CURRENTLY RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression and insomnia but are not finding relief from your current antidepressant medication, you may qualify for this study.

Clinical trial to examine the efficacy and safety of an investigational drug for MDD called Seltorexant when used as an add-on therapy to standard antidepressant medications.

Qualified participants include:

  • Adults aged 18 to 75 years old
  • Have a diagnosis of major depressive disorder
  • Currently prescribed a study-approved antidepressant (for at least ≥ 6 weeks)
  • Have had inadequate response to at least one but no more than two antidepressant medications

Those that qualify will:

  • Receive study-related care with a board-certified psychiatrist and other clinical staff at no cost
  • Receive reimbursement for study participant and costs

For more information, contact clinical.trials@hhchealth.org or call us 860.545.7476

Now Recruiting

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)

331-201-00071 (OtsukaCURRENTLY RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS

If you experienced or witnessed a traumatic event and now have unwanted memories of the event, struggle with fear and anxiety, feel isolated from family and friends; or avoid situations that remind you of the trauma, you may qualify for this study.

Clinical trial to examine the efficacy and safety of brexpriprazole combined with sertraline as treatment for adults with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Qualified participants include:

  • Adults aged 18 to 65 years old
  • Have been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder
  • Onset of symptoms for a minimum of 6 months prior to screening

Those that qualify will:

  • Receive study drug and study-related care with a board-certified psychiatrist and other clinical staff at no cost.
  • Receive reimbursement for study participation and costs.

For more information, contact clinical.trials@hhchealth.org or call us 860.545.7476

Now Recruiting

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

MK1942-006 (Merck) CURRENTLY RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS

Are you struggling with treatment resistant depression? This study might be for you!

Clinical Trial to investigate the safety and efficacy of an oral investigational medication for treatment-resistant depression.

Qualified participants include:

  • Adults age 18-65
  • Have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder or treatment-resistant depression
  • Currently taking an antidepressant medication that is not working well
  • Have had an inadequate response to up to four antidepressant medications

Those that qualify will:

  • Receive study drug and study-related care with a board-certified psychiatrist and other clinical staff at no cost.
  • Receive reimbursement for study participation and costs.

For more information, contact clinical.trials@hhchealth.org or call us 860.545.7476

Now Recruiting

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

NBI-MDD2024 (SAVITRI Study) (Neurocrine Biosciences) CURRENTLY RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS

If you have a Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) that hasn’t responded to anti-depressant medication, learn about this research study of an investigational drug for MDD. As part of their study participation, patients will be regularly evaluated and closely monitored by a team of medical professionals.

Clinical trial to examine the efficacy and safety of a once-daily oral investigational medication combined with standard antidepressant medications as treatment for adults with major depressive disorder.

Qualified participants include:

  • Adults aged 18 to 65 years old
  • Have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder
  • Currently taking antidepressant medication(s)
  • Have had inadequate response to up to five antidepressant medications

 Those that qualify will: 

  • Receive study-related care with a board-certified psychiatrist and other clinical staff at no cost
  • Receive reimbursement for study-related travel costs
For more information, contact clinical.trials@hhchealth.org or call us 860.545.7476

Upcoming Clinical Trials

Coming Soon

SCHIZOPHRENIA AND BIPOLAR DISORDER IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

ALKS 3831-A312 (Alkermes)  
A clinical study to assess weight gain in pediatric patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder after treatment with olanzapine and samidorphan.

Back to Top


Contact the Clinical Trials Unit


Join our Research Registry

If you are interested in participating in research at the Clinical Trials Unit follow the link below to sign up for our research registry. This will allow us to contact you for current and future research opportunities at the CTU. If you have any questions, email clinical.trials@hhchealth.org or call 860.545.7476.

Click here to join


Contact the Clinical Trials Unit


Join our Research Registry

If you are interested in participating in research at the Clinical Trials Unit follow the link below to sign up for our research registry. This will allow us to contact you for current and future research opportunities at the CTU. If you have any questions, email clinical.trials@hhchealth.org or call 860.545.7476.

Click here to join