AI platform to detect drug-related harm to human brain cells
Neural Circuits, Kinetics and Energetics HTS of Human iPSC-Neurons, -Microglia, and -Astrocytes: AI-Enabled Platform for Target ID, and Drug Discovery and Toxicity (e.g., Cancer Chemo & HIV ARTs)
This project is creating an AI-powered lab test using human stem-cell brain cells to find medicines that might damage thinking or brain cells in people receiving chemotherapy or HIV treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vala Sciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178467 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will grow neurons, astrocytes, and microglia derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells and plate them in 384-well dishes so many compounds can be tested at once. They will record cell activity using high-speed imaging of calcium and voltage signals and measure synapses, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and cell viability. An AI system will analyze these multiparameter data to spot patterns of neurotoxicity and help identify safer drug candidates or toxic liabilities. The goal is a human-cell-based screening platform that predicts neurotoxic effects more reliably than current animal-based tests.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work is most relevant to people receiving cancer chemotherapy or antiretroviral therapy for HIV who are at risk of treatment-related cognitive problems, and to those who might donate cells for research.
Not a fit: People currently seeking immediate treatments for existing memory loss or neurocognitive disorders are unlikely to benefit directly because this project develops a lab screening tool, not a clinical therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help prevent harmful drugs from reaching patients and guide safer dosing or development of therapies with fewer cognitive side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies using human iPSC neurons and AI analysis have shown promise for predicting drug neurotoxicity, but combining neurons, astrocytes, and microglia in a high-throughput AI-enabled platform is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
San Diego, United States
- Vala Sciences, INC. — San Diego, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Price, Jeffrey H. — Vala Sciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Price, Jeffrey H.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.