Could an Immune-Suppressing drug treat some forms of schizophrenia?

NCT ID NCT03971487

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether ocrelizumab, a drug that suppresses certain immune cells, can reduce psychosis symptoms in people whose schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may be caused by auto-antibodies attacking brain receptors. Forty participants aged 18–35 will receive either ocrelizumab or a placebo, and their symptoms will be measured using standard psychiatric scales. The goal is to see if targeting the immune system can improve outcomes for this specific subgroup.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

ocrelizumab

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new treatment for some people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder whose illness is caused by auto-antibodies attacking the brain.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase trial with only 40 people, so results may not apply to everyone. Ocrelizumab suppresses the immune system, which can increase infection risk, and it is not yet proven to help psychosis.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Psychotic Disorders schizoaffective disorder schizophrenia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Houston Methodist Research Institute

    RECRUITING

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••