Prof. Jakub Włodarczyk, leading the Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, has received funding from the Medical Research Agency to research „BRAKE-TRD - Biomarker Research for Assessing Ketamine Efficacy in Treatment Resistant Depression". The project will be carried out by a consortium led by the Nencki Institute, with the Warsaw Medical University and the Medical University of Lodz as partners.

The planned study aims to identify predictive biomarkers for the effectiveness of intranasal esketamine (Spravato) treatment in patients with treatment-resistant depression, facilitating the development of a new diagnostic scheme. The research hypothesis suggests that the protein profile in blood or its changes may be key to predicting the efficacy of esketamine treatment, opening up possibilities for personalized therapy for this difficult-to-treat form of depression.

The project has the potential to significantly enhance the personalization of treatment for treatment-resistant depression, increasing therapy effectiveness and minimizing the risk of side effects. This will benefit both patients and the healthcare system by optimizing resource use and improving the quality of life for patients.