Creating new drugs that target specific variants of the dopamine D4 receptor linked to ADHD.
Official title: Development of High-Affinity and Selective Ligands as a Pharmacological Tool for the Dopamine D4 Receptor (D4R) Subtype Variants
Funded at High Point University · NIH-11052598 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific part of the brain that affects attention and thinking, and it's trying to create new medicines that work better for people with ADHD and substance use issues by targeting different genetic types of this brain receptor.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | High Point University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (High Point, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $447,000 |
| NIH project number | 5DP1DA058385-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052598 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with ADHD, particularly those with the D4.7R variant of the dopamine D4 receptor.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without ADHD or those whose conditions are not linked to the dopamine D4 receptor variants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the dopamine D4 receptor (D4R), which is crucial for cognition and attention. It aims to develop new compounds that can selectively interact with different genetic variants of the D4R associated with ADHD and substance use disorders. By creating high-affinity ligands that can differentiate between these variants, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of D4R's role in these conditions and potentially lead to new therapeutic options. The approach involves leveraging existing compounds and optimizing them for variant-specific activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for ADHD and related disorders by targeting specific genetic variants.
How similar studies have gone: While research on dopamine receptors is ongoing, this specific approach to developing variant-specific ligands is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
High Point University
High Point, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boateng, Comfort Ahenkan — High Point University
- Study coordinator: Boateng, Comfort Ahenkan
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.