Congratulations to the Mental Health Research Delivery Team (MHRDT) who are celebrating a significant milestone after recruiting their third participant to the ENIGMA schizophrenia trial, making Oxford Health the highest recruiting site in the UK to date, with four screening visits and three participants randomised into the study.

ENIGMA is an international Phase III commercial trial investigating Evenamide, an experimental add-on treatment for people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia whose symptoms remain insufficiently controlled despite antipsychotic medication. The study is assessing whether Evenamide can improve schizophrenia symptoms, cognitive functioning and quality of life when added to existing treatment.

Dr Robert McCutcheon

Dr Robert McCutcheon Oxford Health Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Robert McCutcheon, Principal Investigator for ENIGMA, said: “Reaching our third randomisation is a fantastic achievement and reflects the commitment of colleagues across Oxford Health who have worked together to make this study a success. Commercial trials play an important role in expanding treatment research in mental health, and every participant who takes part helps us build the evidence needed to develop future care for people living with schizophrenia.”

Cristina Sanchez Pascual

Cristina Sanchez Pascual, Oxford Health Senior Clinical Researcher and Study Coordinator, said: “Recruiting participants to complex commercial studies requires teamwork, persistence and close collaboration with clinical services. I’m incredibly proud of what the team has achieved. Most importantly, we’ve been able to offer patients the opportunity to contribute to research that may shape future treatment options.”

This success aligns closely with national ambitions to increase participation in commercial mental health research and with Oxford Health’s commitment to excellence by ensuring patients can access cutting-edge research and emerging treatment options.

Participant in the trial Michael Buckingham told us:  “The Enigma study was with hope that in the future it will help others as well as myself.  It has been a positive experience to be listened to and reassured about my heart rate, and be so well looked after by the staff”.

Could your patients benefit from the FOCUS study?

As recruitment to ENIGMA comes to a close this month, clinicians are encouraged to consider the FOCUS study, also led by Dr Robert McCutcheon. FOCUS is investigating whether xanomeline-trospium (Cobenfy) can improve concentration, memory and other cognitive symptoms associated with psychosis, alongside wider psychosis symptoms and daily functioning.

The study is currently recruiting people with psychosis and schizophrenia-spectrum conditions.

Clinicians interested in discussing potential patient referrals, please contact mentalhealthresearch@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk.

For general enquires or to request further information on the study please contact focus@psych.ox.ac.uk