Analyzing how small molecules are metabolized using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: In vitro metabolite profiling with vibrational phase-contrast imaging
Funded at Trestle Optics LLC · NIH-11058793 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to look at how small molecules, which are key for creating new medicines, work in the body without damaging them, using special imaging techniques to help scientists find better drug options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trestle Optics LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $330,076 |
| NIH project number | 1R43GM157792-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058793 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals involved in preclinical drug development, particularly those interested in the metabolism of small molecule therapeutics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in drug development or do not have conditions requiring new therapeutic options may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method to analyze the metabolism of small molecules, which are important in drug development. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to non-destructively profile metabolites while preserving spatial information. This approach will enhance the understanding of how these compounds behave in biological systems, potentially leading to better drug candidates. The research utilizes innovative technologies like photothermal microscopy combined with spatial light interference microscopy to achieve high sensitivity and resolution.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective drug development processes by providing better insights into how drugs are metabolized in the body.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with similar advanced imaging techniques in metabolite profiling, indicating a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Trestle Optics LLC
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hanninen, Adam M — Trestle Optics LLC
- Study coordinator: Hanninen, Adam M
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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.