Invitation to participate in a Clinical Trial for Schizophrenia Research

Finding North would like to share the following opportunity for those interested in contributing to research aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals affected by schizophrenia.

Monash University is seeking participants for the CONNEX clinical study programme, dedicated to exploring the potential of a ground-breaking medication in improving cognitive abilities for individuals living with schizophrenia.

The following is an excerpt from the participant invitation letter:

Connex Invitation Letter

“As you may know, schizophrenia is a condition that affects people’s mental health in different ways. For example, it can affect a person’s mood or behaviour. It can also affect the way a person thinks, their memory and their mental functioning. Doctors call this ‘cognitive impairment’ and there are no approved medications for this symptom of schizophrenia.
That is why we are conducting CONNEX – a clinical study programme that will ask if a study medication can improve cognition in people with schizophrenia.
We are looking for adults to take part in the CONNEX programme who (among
other things):

• Are 18–50 years of age (inclusive, at the time of joining the study)
• Are experiencing difficulties such as remembering things, staying focused on tasks or conversations, or figuring out how to do something
• Are able to attend certain study visits with somebody who you see and speak to regularly (this person will be your ‘study partner’)

You will be on the study for up to approximately eight months (35 weeks), depending on which study you join. If you are eligible and agree to take part, you will be randomly assigned to receive either the study medication or a placebo for six months (26 weeks). A placebo looks just like the study medication (both are oral tablets) but contains no active ingredients. You will also need to visit the study centre approximately 16 times in total, to allow us to monitor your general health as well as symptoms related to your schizophrenia. Your study partner would need to attend four of these visits with you to answer some questions as well.

If you decide to take part, the study medication and study assessments will be provided to you at no cost. Any reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. If you would like to know more, please contact us using the details below as soon as possible. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Thank you for your time.

On behalf of the CONNEX study programme.

You may wish to discuss this with your clinician or other support person.”

Enquires about the study can be directed to:

Jesse Bain Monash Medical Centre (AUS3)

Phone: 0458 755 169 / Email: jesse.bain@monash.edu

Amanda Karagiannidis Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (AUS4)

Phone: 03 9076 9864 Email: amanda.karagiannidis1@monash.edu