Could a common food preservative help treat Hard-to-Treat schizophrenia?

NCT ID NCT06340789

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether adding sodium benzoate—a substance that affects brain glutamate—to standard antipsychotic medication can improve symptoms and thinking in people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. About 90 adults who have not responded well to at least two antipsychotics will receive either sodium benzoate or a placebo for 8 weeks. Researchers will use brain scans, blood tests, and symptom ratings to see if the treatment works and to identify who might benefit most.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

sodium benzoate

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a new add-on treatment option for people with schizophrenia who do not respond to standard antipsychotics.

What could go wrong

This is a Phase 2 trial with 90 participants, so results are still early. Sodium benzoate may not improve symptoms more than placebo, and side effects are possible.

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.

Neurobehavioral Manifestations Psychotic Disorders schizoaffective disorder schizophrenia Schizophrenia, Treatment-Resistant treatment-refractory 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

  • Taichung Veterans General Hospital Chiayi Branch

    RECRUITING

    Chiayi City, 600, Taiwan

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