AUSTIN, Texas – The Bipolar Disorder Center at Dell Medical School, part of the Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, has received a $2.3 million research grant. The funding is part of the BD² Integrated Network, a global initiative focused on improving care and treatment for bipolar disorder.
Dell Med joins 15 research sites worldwide, including Johns Hopkins University, Harvard University, Mayo Clinic, and the University of Michigan. The initiative aims to study 4,000 individuals with bipolar disorder over five years, making it the most extensive research program of its kind.
“This is a major opportunity for Dell Med to contribute to groundbreaking global research,” said Dr. Jorge Almeida, director of the Bipolar Disorder Center. “The BD² Integrated Network will provide critical insights into the biological, psychological, and social factors affecting individuals with bipolar disorder.”
The grant will support a local study by Dr. Elizabeth Lippard and Dr. Vijay Gorrepati. Their team will develop a learning health network and a deep phenotyping protocol to analyze how bipolar disorder impacts the brain. The study will be conducted in collaboration with top institutions worldwide, some with decades of experience in bipolar disorder research.
“This initiative stands out for its scale and scope,” Almeida said. “Beyond research, it opens doors for future funding and fosters collaboration on brain omics and genetics projects.”
With this award, Dell Med strengthens its role in advancing mental health research, contributing to a global effort to improve bipolar disorder treatment and outcomes.
