Recruiting Studies
Advanced SearchData: ClinicalTrials.gov · Source of record for eligibility and locations
Top Cities for Schizophrenia Clinical Trials
Schizophrenia clinical trials are recruiting across 130 cities. Here are the cities with the most active studies:
Schizophrenia Trial Phases
62 research organizations are sponsoring schizophrenia trials.
About Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder affecting approximately 2.8 million US adults, characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and cognitive difficulties. While current treatments rely primarily on first- and second-generation antipsychotics (risperidone, olanzapine, clozapine), many patients experience incomplete symptom relief or significant side effects. Clinical trials are testing novel mechanisms including muscarinic receptor agonists (like KarXT/xanomeline-trospium), trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) agonists, glutamate modulators, and long-acting injectable formulations. Treatment-resistant schizophrenia remains a major focus area, with trials seeking patients who have not adequately responded to standard antipsychotic therapy.
Clinical trials are advancing new treatments for schizophrenia. Currently, 100 studies are recruiting a combined 22,056 participants across the United States. Research is being conducted by 62 organizations including Bristol-Myers Squibb, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Northwell Health and 59 others.
2026 Schizophrenia Treatment Landscape & Drug Pipeline
Schizophrenia trials in 2026 are focused on mechanisms beyond the dopamine D2 receptor blockade that has defined antipsychotic treatment for 70 years. KarXT (xanomeline-trospium, marketed as Cobenfy) became the first non-dopaminergic antipsychotic, targeting muscarinic receptors instead. It reduces positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) without the weight gain, metabolic syndrome, or movement disorders of traditional antipsychotics.
TAAR1 (trace amine-associated receptor 1) agonists represent another breakthrough. Ulotaront (SEP-363856) targets TAAR1 and 5-HT1A receptors, with multiple companies developing competing TAAR1 compounds. These drugs may address both positive and negative symptoms — including social withdrawal, emotional flatness, and cognitive impairment that current antipsychotics largely fail to treat.
Long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations continue advancing, with 3-month and 6-month depot formulations in trials. Extended-release injections dramatically improve treatment adherence — the single biggest predictor of relapse prevention in schizophrenia.
Digital therapeutics and cognitive remediation programs are being tested alongside medications, using structured exercises and smartphone interventions to improve cognitive deficits (memory, attention, processing speed) that medications alone don't address.
Patient considerations: Trials typically require a confirmed diagnosis and stable symptoms for 4+ weeks. Many allow continued background antipsychotic use. Expect regular psychiatric assessments (PANSS, CGI scales) and metabolic monitoring (weight, glucose, lipids). Trials testing new mechanisms may have strict exclusion criteria for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
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2026 Schizophrenia Research Landscape
As of July 2026, the schizophrenia clinical trial landscape includes 100 actively recruiting studies across 130 cities in the United States. These studies are collectively seeking 22,056 participants, with an average enrollment target of 221 per study.
The research spans multiple phases of development: 45 studies are in NA, 20 studies are in PHASE3, 13 studies are in PHASE2, 9 studies are in PHASE4, 8 studies are in PHASE1, 1 study is in EARLY_PHASE1. The presence of Phase 3 trials indicates that some schizophrenia treatments are in late-stage testing and may be approaching regulatory review.
Research is being led by 62 different organizations, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Northwell Health, Reviva Pharmaceuticals, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and 57 others. The large number of sponsors reflects significant research interest and investment in schizophrenia treatment advancement.
Geographically, schizophrenia trials are most concentrated in Atlanta, Georgia (14 trials); Little Rock, Arkansas (13 trials); Garden Grove, California (13 trials); Chicago, Illinois (11 trials); Lemon Grove, California (9 trials) and 7 other cities.
Featured Schizophrenia Studies
Highlighted recruiting studies for schizophrenia, selected by enrollment size and research scope.
Effectiveness and Adverse-effect Switch Evaluation of Xanomeline and Trospium Chloride (KarXT)
The purpose of this study is to describe real-world treatment patterns, effectiveness and adverse events of adults diagnosed with schizophrenia that have initiated xanomeline and trospium chloride (KarXT) treatment in the United States
Database Registry for Neural Network Biomarkers in Psychosis
Several observations have been made with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that characterize brain connections and brain function in individuals with schizophrenia and other mental disorders. For example, research investigating schizophrenia focuses on the dysfunction of connections within and between the medial temporal lobe and the prefrontal cortex as well as other pertinent brain regions. This ...
Early-Phase Schizophrenia: Practice-based Research to Improve Outcomes
The goal if the project is to develop a learning health network devoted to the treatment of first episode psychosis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Schizophrenia Clinical Trials
Are there schizophrenia clinical trials near me?
Yes, there are 100 schizophrenia clinical trials currently recruiting across 130+ cities in the United States, including Atlanta, Georgia; Little Rock, Arkansas; Garden Grove, California. Browse the studies above to find one at a location convenient for you.
How do I join a schizophrenia clinical trial?
To join a schizophrenia clinical trial: 1) Browse the available studies on this page, 2) Click on a study that interests you, 3) Check the study locations to find a site near you, 4) Review the eligibility criteria, and 5) Contact the study site or complete the eligibility form. The process is free and you can withdraw at any time.
Are schizophrenia clinical trials free?
Yes, participation in schizophrenia clinical trials is free. Study-related treatments, medical tests, and doctor visits are provided at no cost to participants. Many studies also offer compensation for your time and travel expenses.
What types of schizophrenia treatments are being studied?
Current schizophrenia clinical trials are testing a range of approaches across NA (45 studies), PHASE3 (20 studies), PHASE2 (13 studies), PHASE4 (9 studies), PHASE1 (8 studies), EARLY_PHASE1 (1 study). These include new drugs, combination therapies, medical devices, and other interventions sponsored by 62 research organizations.
Is it safe to participate in schizophrenia clinical trials?
Clinical trials are carefully regulated by the FDA and institutional review boards (IRBs). All trials must follow strict safety protocols, and participants receive close medical monitoring throughout the study. You can withdraw from a trial at any time without penalty.
Data updated July 19, 2026 from ClinicalTrials.gov
About This Data
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · Source of record for eligibility and locations
Clinical trial information on this page is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Library of Medicine (NLM). Study data is refreshed every hour to ensure accuracy.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about clinical trial participation or changes to your treatment plan.
Page reviewed by the HelloStudys Research Team · Last updated July 19, 2026 · Data from ClinicalTrials.gov