This groundbreaking longitudinal registry study is designed to delve into the intricacies of depression and broader mental health challenges, marking a significant leap in the understanding and treatment of mental health conditions.

Set to enroll adults from across the United States who are experiencing symptoms of depression, "My Mental Health Journey" aims to provide Otsuka with a deeper understanding of mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder in real-world settings over time. Participants over the age of 18 will engage in this observational study by securely sharing their personal experiences with depression through periodic self-guided assessments and digital data collection. This initiative not only contributes invaluable data to mental health and depression research but also offers participants access to the latest insights on mental health issues, alongside a streamlined pathway to engage in future clinical research endeavors.

Highlighting the urgency of addressing mental health, John Kraus, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Otsuka, stated, “Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with a significant impact on a substantial fraction of the U.S. adult population. Our collaboration with Verily paves the way for enhanced insights into the treatment journeys of those with depressive disorders, which in turn will inform the development of tailored treatments capable of supporting patients more effectively at the early stages of their mental health journeys.”

The registry utilizes Verily Viewpoint, a comprehensive suite of solutions aimed at generating robust evidence through Verily’s recruitment services and its sophisticated longitudinal registry and multi-modal data platform. Designed with a focus on the participant experience, the registry leverages state-of-the-art user experience, technology, and clinical expertise to fully comprehend patient journeys and engage diverse populations. The insights gleaned from the study will empower Otsuka to refine future research efforts, including trial design, site selection, and health outcomes research.

Andrew Trister, MD, PhD, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at Verily, expressed enthusiasm about the project, noting, “Our collaboration with Otsuka is set to usher in a new era of precision in mental health care. By harnessing multimodal data, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of each individual’s treatment journey, accelerating the development and delivery of novel depression treatments that are both effective and widely accessible.”

Since 2019, Otsuka has engaged with Verily to incorporate cutting-edge clinical trial solutions across its product portfolio. With plans to expand the registry by incorporating additional data sources with participant consent, initiating further cohorts and sub-studies, and developing new digital biomarkers, this partnership between Otsuka and Verily signifies a bold step forward in the realm of mental health research, promising to transform the landscape of depression treatment and care.