Welcome to the ASCEnD Trial
Could a better treatment for bipolar depression be within reach?
Take part in the ASCEnD trial and help us find the most effective treatment for bipolar depression. You’ll get support from our research team.
The ASCEnD trial, explained by Dr Stuart Watson, ASCEnD Chief investigator from Newcastle University and Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.
The ASCEnD Trial
You can find out which sites around the UK are recruiting here.
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The ASCEnD study is sponsored by Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust
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The ASCEnD trial is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme- Project reference number NIHR132773.
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The ASCEnD trial is managed by Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit (NCTU)- UKCRC Registered Clinical Trials Unit
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The ASCEnD trial has been developed in collaboration with a Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) organised by the McPin Foundation.
Who can take part?
We are looking for people in England diagnosed with bipolar who are currently experiencing depression.
You may be able to take part in this trial if you:
Have bipolar.
Are currently experiencing depression.
Are older than 18.
Are not currently breastfeeding, pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant during the trial.
Meet other criteria (which a study doctor will talk about with you).
You can enter the trial if you and your doctor think that quetiapine, or the combination of aripiprazole and sertraline, would be equally helpful as the next step in your treatment.
For more details, please read the patient information sheet.
Study background
A previous small trial indicated a
combination of the antipsychotic aripiprazole with an antidepressant may be effective in bipolar depression, with a reduced burden of side-effects compared to current treatments. It is now time for a larger trial to see if this combination works.
FAQs
Do you want to find out more about the ASCEnD trial? Find answers to the most commonly asked questions on this page.
Patient involvement
The ASCEnD trial was developed in collaboration with
a Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) organised by the McPin Foundation.
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