BBC Study V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
NIHR Oxford Health BRC Baseline Biomarker Check Study
IRAS ID
343401
Contact name
Graham Blackman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford / Research Governance, Ethics and Assurance
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Psychotic disorders are a common cause of severe mental illness. Around 1 in 3 patients started on antipsychotic medication do not respond to standard first line treatment, however, at present we are not able to predict which patients this will be.
Data will be collected from a representative sample of patients experiencing a first episode of psychosis. These patients will undergo a comprehensive assessment around the time of diagnosis. Alongside routine NHS standard of care, patients will be given the opportunity to take part in research. NHS standard of care will include a clinical interview, an MRI brain scan, biological sample collection (blood and urine sample), and cognitive measures (evaluating thinking and memory). Optional research measures will include additional clinical interviews, an extended MRI scan and additional biological sample collection. Collection of blood and stool will allow researchers to gain a better understanding of the biology underlying psychosis. Approximately six weeks later, participants will be reassessed to evaluate their early response to antipsychotic treatment.
The Baseline Biomarker Check (BBC) study aims to identify markers that may help in predict the treatment response in people experiencing their first episode of psychosis.
REC name
Wales REC 2
REC reference
25/WA/0253
Date of REC Opinion
9 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion