Atomoxetine for MC4R obesity in children
Official title: Targeting BDNF Using Atomoxetine for the Treatment of Obesity Caused by MC4R Insufficiency
Funded at Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp · NIH-11586252 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A trial tests whether an ADHD drug, atomoxetine, can help children with a genetic form of obesity caused by MC4R mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $351,553 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DK142434-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11586252 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with MC4R loss-of-function variants causing obesity (MCOS) who meet study criteria and can be monitored for medication safety.
✕Less likely to help
Children without MC4R-related obesity or those with contraindications to atomoxetine may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project aims to repurpose atomoxetine to help kids with MC4R-related obesity, a condition where traditional treatments often fail. Researchers plan to explore how boosting BDNF signaling downstream of MC4R could reduce excessive hunger and help control weight. The study will involve a carefully monitored treatment approach in affected children, with outcomes focused on appetite, weight, and safety. By using an existing medication with known pharmacology, the team hopes to provide a faster path to an effective option for this specific genetic obesity syndrome.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, children with MC4R-associated obesity could experience better appetite control and weight management with a readily available medication.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal and human data suggest atomoxetine can influence pathways relevant to MC4R signaling, but this exact pediatric MCOS application is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Joan Christine — Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
- Study coordinator: Han, Joan Christine
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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.