What is the novel drug studying for Borderline Personality Disorder?

This clinical trial is evaluating a new drug that targets NMDA receptors in the brain to see if it can help reduce symptoms in people with Borderline Personality Disorder. Researchers want to find out if adding this drug to usual antipsychotic treatment can improve emotional regulation and reduce impulsivity. The study is sponsored by The Alfred and aims to fill a gap in effective treatments for BPD.

Who may be eligible for this Borderline Personality Disorder clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 to 65 with a current diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder or specific scores on diagnostic scales may be eligible. Both men and women can participate. People with certain medical conditions, recent substance abuse, or who are pregnant are excluded. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this Borderline Personality Disorder clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the study drug or procedure and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly for any travel or accommodation costs.

Actively Recruiting

Phase 2

Age: 18Years - 65Years

All Genders

ID02097706

Testing a New NMDA Receptor Antagonist Added to Antipsychotic Treatment for Adults With Borderline Personality Disorder in a 12-Week Randomized Double-Blind Study

Led by The Alfred · Updated on 2025-08-15

150

Participants Needed

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Borderline Personality Disorder BPD is a common and serious psychiatric condition that affects millions worldwide, leading to significant difficulties in daily life and high rates of suicidal thoughts and actions. Young women are especially at risk, with BPD being diagnosed three times more often in women than men. The causes of BPD are complex, involving both biological and environmental factors such as abuse and family issues, which contribute to emotional and behavioral challenges. Currently, no medications are specifically approved to treat BPD effectively, and many patients struggle with existing treatments due to side effects or lack of response. Researchers are evaluating a novel drug that blocks a brain receptor called NMDA, which has been approved for Alzheimers disease and is being studied for other psychiatric conditions. In this trial, 150 adults with BPD will be randomly assigned to receive either the study drug at a dose of 20 mg daily or a placebo, in addition to their current antipsychotic treatment, for 12 weeks. The trial is double-blind, meaning neither participants nor researchers know who receives the drug or placebo, to fairly assess the drugs effects. Participants will be closely monitored throughout the study with regular assessments of their borderline symptoms and cognitive function using specific rating scales at multiple time points over 12 weeks. Safety and tolerability will also be observed. This thorough evaluation aims to determine whether adding this novel drug can improve symptoms and functioning in people living with BPD during and at the end of the treatment period.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

A Novel Drug for Borderline Personality Disorder

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years - 65Years

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Men and women aged between 18 and 65 years
Current diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder or a score of 8 or higher on the Diagnostic Interview for Borderline patients or a score of 15 or higher on the Zanarini Rating Scale for Borderline Personality Disorder
Able to read and write English proficiently

You will not qualify if you...

Acute delirium or severe head injury
Epilepsy, seizure disorder, history of seizures (excluding febrile convulsions), or risk factors for epilepsy
Significant liver, kidney, blood, or heart disease
Current use of NMDA antagonists, L-dopa, dopamine agonists, or anticholinergic drugs
Lifetime diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, substance-induced psychotic disorder, or bipolar I disorder
Suicide risk requiring inpatient admission as assessed by psychiatrist
Taking more than 4 psychotropic medications
Planned changes to psychotropic medication or psychotherapy during study
Substance abuse or dependence requiring treatment in the last 3 months
Pregnant, breastfeeding, or not using appropriate contraception if of child-bearing age

Research Team

Jayashri Kulkarni AM, MBBS,MPM,FRANZCP,PhD

Anthony deCastella, DipAppSci,BA,MA

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