The ALIGNED study is a double-blind randomised-controlled trial of pharmacogenomics-guided therapy versus standard care for adults with major depression who have either:
- not started antidepressants
- are considering a change in antidepressant.
The study will examine whether tailored therapy based on the individual patient’s DNA testing from a simple buccal swab can improve remission rates and reduce any side effects of medication. Each participating patient’s prescribing clinician will receive an individualised treatment guide prepared by a practising consultant psychiatrist and/or geneticist with recommendations reflecting current RANZCP practice guidelines.
Unblinding will take place at the end of 12 weeks, after which all participants and their prescribers will be informed of which study arm they were allocated to and will receive a copy of the participant’s pharmacogenomic report. This report may be helpful in guiding future prescribing.
Four study assessments will be conducted with participants via videoconference or by phone over the 12-week study period. Patients can self-register for the study and both patients and clinicians can find out more about the study via the website.
Download the flyer to share with potentially suitable patients. If you have any questions or would like to register a patient for possible study participation, or if you would like to receive more information about how your practice could collaborate more closely with the study, contact the Central Coordinating Centre at ALIGNED@georgeinstitute.org.au