Developing a new system to test drug safety on human brain cells.
Official title: Neural Circuits, Kinetics and Energetics HTS of Human iPSC-Neurons, -Microglia, and -Astrocytes: AI-Enabled Platform for Target ID, and Drug Discovery and Toxicity (e.g., Cancer Chemo & HIV ARTs)
Funded at Vala Sciences, INC. · NIH-10950968 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to see how certain cancer and HIV treatments might affect brain cells, using human brain cells to help find safer options for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vala Sciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,139,473 |
| NIH project number | 4R44MH135526-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950968 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who are currently receiving or are candidates for treatment with neurotoxic drugs, such as those for cancer or HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing treatment for cancer or HIV, or those who do not have concerns regarding neurotoxicity, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a novel assay system using human-derived brain cells to evaluate the neurotoxicity of various therapeutics, particularly those used in cancer and HIV treatment. By utilizing neurons, astrocytes, and microglia derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, the study will employ advanced imaging techniques to assess how these drugs affect brain cell function and health. This approach seeks to provide a more accurate prediction of drug safety for humans compared to traditional animal models, potentially leading to safer treatment options for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer drug therapies with fewer neurological side effects for patients undergoing treatment for cancer and HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using human cell models for drug testing, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in predicting drug safety.
Where this research is happening
-
Vala Sciences, INC.
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Price, Jeffrey H. — Vala Sciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Price, Jeffrey H.
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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.