Application of the research domain criteria in early-phase clinical development of transdiagnostic neurotherapeutics: A multidisciplinary perspective

Transdiagnostic, dimensional frameworks such as the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) are increasingly regarded as promising vehicles for precision neuropsychiatric drug development, yet no treatment has been approved that was explicitly developed according to such principles. This work, conducted under the aegis of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Thematic Working Group on Clinical Outcomes in Early-Phase Clinical Trials, synthesises seven structured multidisciplinary expert meetings supported by a narrative literature review to delineate opportunities and barriers for implementing RDoC in early-phase clinical development. We identify four key operational domains that condition the success of RDoC-aligned programmes: (1) terminology clarity and working definitions for RDoC-aligned trials and target constructs; (2) construct-enriched population selection methodologies; (3) selection, development or modification of construct-aligned clinical outcome assessments that are fit-for-purpose in transdiagnostic research settings; and (4) navigation of regulatory frameworks that remain anchored in categorical diagnoses. Through selected illustrative cases—most notably the aticaprant development program targeting anhedonia in mood and anxiety disorders—we demonstrate how early phase RDoC-aligned trial designs can be compromised at the pivotal stage by the absence of validated endpoints and regulatory constraints on labelling. On this basis, we propose pragmatic recommendations, including consensus-based definitions, registry tagging of RDoC-aligned trials, data-driven biomarker-based transdiagnostic enrichment strategies (i.e., biotyping), and early, iterative engagement with regulators and health technology assessment agencies. Systematic attention to these domains is required for enabling the development of neurobiologically RDoC informed treatments to be delivered to the right patients at the right time.