NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Creating new plant-based compounds for potential therapeutic use

Official title: Chemoenzymatic synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of designer plant meroterpenoids

Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11055448 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring new plant-based compounds that could help improve brain and nervous system health, aiming to find better treatments for conditions like anxiety or metabolic issues, so patients can have more options for their care.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2023
Project endMarch 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$76,756
NIH project number5F32GM150232-03
Project IDNIH-11055448 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with neurological disorders or metabolic issues that could be addressed by new cannabinoid-based therapies.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to neurological or metabolic disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing and evaluating new compounds derived from plants, particularly those that can affect the brain and nervous system. The approach involves synthesizing unique plant meroterpenoids, which are natural products with potential therapeutic benefits, especially in relation to cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa. By using advanced techniques to produce these compounds in the lab, the research aims to overcome challenges in accessing rare natural products and to better understand their pharmacological effects. Patients may benefit from insights into new treatments for conditions related to the brain and metabolism.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel therapies for neurological and metabolic conditions.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing cannabinoid-based therapies, indicating that this approach could yield significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Diego
    La Jolla, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Love, Anna Claire — University of California, San Diego
  • Study coordinator: Love, Anna Claire

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.