Creating a new treatment to prevent plaque buildup in arteries
Official title: Development of a Small Molecule Inhibitor of Fortilin for Atherosclerosis Treatment and Prevention
Funded at Fortiscience, INC. · NIH-10906286 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with atherosclerosis by creating a small molecule that blocks a protein called fortilin, which helps form harmful plaques in the arteries, offering a potential alternative to traditional treatments that some find hard to use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fortiscience, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dover, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $152,749 |
| NIH project number | 5R41HL169146-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906286 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for atherosclerosis, including those with high cholesterol or a family history of cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already developed advanced atherosclerosis or those who do not have risk factors for cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a small molecule that inhibits fortilin, a protein that contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in arteries. Atherosclerosis is a significant health issue affecting millions, leading to serious cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. The approach aims to provide an alternative to current treatments, which often rely on lifestyle changes and statins that some patients find difficult to tolerate. By targeting fortilin, the research seeks to directly prevent plaque formation without the need for cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment option that effectively prevents atherosclerosis without the side effects associated with current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting fortilin is relatively novel, preliminary studies have shown promise in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Fortiscience, INC.
Dover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fujise, Ken — Fortiscience, INC.
- Study coordinator: Fujise, Ken
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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.