Kristen Ward, PharmD., receives 2020 Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg Translational Research award for her research on antipsychotic medications and weight gain

While many patients experience weight gain when taking antipsychotic medications, the reason why is unknown. Kristen Ward, PharmD., plans to complete a study to better understand this phenomenon and also determine ways to identify those at greatest risk. Her project will be supported with her 2020 Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg Translational Research award of $50,000, helping her to make inroads in an important area of study. The side effect of gaining weight while using antipsychotic medications can result in decreased medication adherence and can raise the risk of other metabolic consequences such as hypertension and diabetes. Dr. Ward will use blood samples from 50 patients taken before and after antipsychotic medication use. Half of the patients gained weight while on antipsychotic medications and the other 25 did not. By studying small molecules in these blood samples, Dr. Ward will be able to compare changes in their molecular profiles over time. The ultimate goals of the project are to guide future studies on defining why antipsychotic medications cause weight gain, and to inform biomarker studies that will help clinicians understand which patients are at greatest risk for this side effect before starting the medication. Data generated will also contribute to existing research, advancing precision medicine treatment for patients with serious mental illness.

Kristen Ward, PharmD, is a clinical assistant professor in U-M’s College of Pharmacy’s Clinical Pharmacy Department. By training, she is a pharmacist, working with the ambulatory psychiatry teams at the Rachel Upjohn Building. After obtaining her doctor of pharmacy degree, she completed a three-year research fellowship at the University of Michigan, where she developed a passion for using precision medicine research techniques to improve the safety and efficacy of medications used by patients with serious mental illness.

The Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg Translational Research Awards were established to catalyze transformational mood disorders research projects and rapidly expand the number of people participating in them. The Eisenbergs attended the University of Michigan and are active volunteers and generous supporters across many areas including the Depression Center, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, the School of Education, the School of Social Work, the Taubman Medical Research Institute, the University Musical Society and the Athletic Department. Kenneth Eisenberg has served as chairman and CEO of Kenwal Steel Corporation since the 1960s.