OPADE

Identification of key biomarkers in major depressive disorder to support the decision-making process of healthcare professionals.

The OPADE project focuses on the microbiota-brain axis, which plays a major role in mental health and, in particular, in major depressive disorders (MDD).

OPADE studies the combination between genetics, epigenetics, metabolism, immune system, microbiome and inflammatory networks to:

• Establish patient profiles to predict and optimise the efficacy of the antidepressants prescribed with an increase in the remission rate.
• Establish the possible correlation between inflammatory markers, metabolomics, epigenomics, genomics, immune profile and microbiome with mental disorders.
• Evaluate molecular and non-molecular biomarkers that may represent predictive indices of recurrence.
• Discover new molecular targets for a personalised approach.
• Improve the diagnostic accuracy for primary prevention.

The main outcome of the project is an Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning predictive tool, which is trained from the cognitive assessment and biochemical parameters, that can predict the efficacy of anti-depressant and personalises the treatment.

Moreover, a patient empowerment tool is being deployed including a chat room to capture patients’ stories and give advice to improve their quality of life.

Worldwide, more than 280 million people suffer from MDD. Although the therapeutic landscape of anti-depressants is well-designed, 50% of patients are not properly diagnosed, 75% are not treated and, from those under medication, the number of patients in remission is particularly low with not more than 6% who benefit from an accurate treatment.

Under this terrible situation, the research for personalised medicine, from diagnostic to treatment, is a key aspect of mental healthcare.

The Omic Sciences Unit from Eurecat is involved in the analysis of different biochemical parameters in blood to search for predictive biomarkers for personalised medicine and increased accuracy of the anti-depressant treatment.

The OPADE project, led by the European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno, is made up of 14 organisations from 10 different countries.