Pre-Conference Day
Monday 9th June 2025
CHECK IN, COFFEE & LIGHT BREAKFAST
WORKSHOP A
9:00 am Transforming the Translational Validity of Preclinical Psychosis Models: Moving Beyond Dopamine-Focused Assays to Study New Anti-Psychosis Drug Mechanisms & Demonstrate Clinically Relevant Readouts
Synopsis
Current psychosis research often relies on pharmacological challenges, such as administering stimulants (e.g., amphetamine) or NMDA receptor blockers (e.g., MK21, PCP) to healthy brains. While these methods model certain aspects of psychosis, they may not fully capture the broader alterations seen in the disorder. However, they remain among the best available tools. Recent advancements using non-human primates (NHPs) are expanding our understanding, alongside efforts to model psychosis in conditions such as bipolar disorder, postpartum psychosis, Huntington’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
This collaborative workshop explores key questions such as:
- How can we improve clinical trial success by addressing the predictive limitations of current models? • Should research shift toward cell-based models, organoids, or Human Challenge Models (HCM)? • Can the bipolar lithium model be applied to psychosis?
- How can NHPs help bridge the translational gap?
- How can preclinical testing better assess cognitive and negative symptom domains?
12:00 pm LUNCH BREAK & NETWORKING
WORKSHOP B
1:00 pm Tackling the ‘All-Comers’ Approach by Enhancing Patient Stratification & Discussing Recruitment & Retention Strategies in Psychosis Clinical Trials
Synopsis
Recruitment and patient stratification are major challenges in psychosis clinical trials, especially when progressing from phase 1B to 2A. Issues such as recruitment volume, regional differences, patient compliance, and patient heterogeneity create logistical hurdles that can hinder trial success. This workshop explores strategies to optimize recruitment and retention. Participants will learn how biomarker-based and cognitive profiling techniques can refine inclusion criteria, avoiding the pitfalls of an “all-comers” approach. Discussions will cover leveraging digital tools, patient databases, and global collaboration to streamline recruitment while addressing site variability. Retention strategies will focus on monitoring technologies, personalized incentives, and engagement tactics to maintain participation and ensure data integrity. This workshop provides actionable solutions for improving psychosis trial outcomes.
Key Highlights:
- Targeted recruitment for diverse subgroups, including treatment-resistant and first-episode patients
- Navigating CRO mistrust due to recruitment shortcuts that dilute trial outcomes
- Biomarker-driven stratification to enhance inclusion criteria
- Digital tools & global networks to optimize recruitment
- Retention strategies using monitoring tech and engagement techniques