Foundation Launches Human Clinical Studies and Seeks Strategic Partners for Late-Stage Development

NEW YORK, Nov. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) announced its Precision Psychiatry Initiative at its 20th Anniversary HOPE Luncheon at The Plaza Hotel in New York City, on November 10, 2026, marking a pivotal transition from two decades of foundational research into the underlying mechanisms of depression toward first-in-human studies expected to begin as early as 2027. 

Over two decades, HDRF’s Depression Task Force (DTF) has investigated approximately 1,500 genes potentially implicated in depression and identified 20 promising therapeutic targets for further study. This integrated, collaborative research engine now informs a growing clinical program investigating biological mechanisms that could lead to more effective and personalized treatments.

“Twenty years ago, we set out to change depression research by bringing the world’s leading scientists together to collaborate rather than work in isolation,” said Audrey Gruss, Founder and Chair of HDRF. “Today, together with our Depression Task Force we are laying out our pipeline of first-in-human clinical studies with the goal of translating those discoveries into better treatments for patients.”  

Looking ahead, HDRF aims to provide strategic partners with human-validated targets, biomarkers, and data to support later-stage clinical development.

“Just as advances in understanding cancer biology transformed oncology, precision psychiatry aims to move beyond symptom-based diagnosis and trial-and-error treatment, toward identifying biological subtypes and developing targeted therapies,” said Husseini Manji, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry at Oxford University and Co-Chair of the UK’s Mental Health Goals Programme on advances in precision psychiatry. “A deeper understanding of disease mechanisms is essential to achieving similar advances in depression treatment.”

From Scientific Discovery to Human Studies

People with the same depression diagnosis can differ substantially in genetics, stress biology, brain circuitry, and treatment response. DTF researchers are studying these differences to identify meaningful biological mechanisms that could eventually guide more targeted treatments, rather than relying solely on trial-and-error prescribing.

The Foundation’s Clinical Trial/Drug Discovery Program is designed to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical development, supporting early human studies that can help determine whether promising mechanisms merit further investigation.

These efforts include research at Mount Sinai, Columbia University, Weill Cornell Medicine and the Max Planck Institute in Germany.

Advancing Toward Precision Psychiatry

The HOPE Luncheon featured a keynote by Dr. Manji, who also presented research on brain circuitry and antidepressant treatment. DTF members in attendance included Eric Nestler, M.D., Ph.D.; Conor Liston, M.D., Ph.D.; Helen S. Mayberg, M.D.; René Hen, Ph.D.; and Jonathan Javitch, M.D., Ph.D.

HDRF also recognized Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist Melissa Etheridge with the HOPE Award for Mental Health Advocacy, honored the Founders Group for its Clinical Trial/Drug Discovery Program, and presented Definium Therapeutics with the HOPE Corporate Visionary Award.

About Hope for Depression Research Foundation

Founded in 2006 by Audrey Gruss in memory of her mother, Hope, HDRF funds neuroscience research into the origins, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of depression. Its Depression Task Force brings together leading scientists from nine institutions working collaboratively on a shared research roadmap.

For more information, visit www.hopefordepression.org.

Media Contact:

Zina McGowan-Thomas
zthomas@lavoiegroup.com

Ludivine Delattre
ldelattre@lavoiegroup.com 

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SOURCE Hope for Depression Research Foundation