Developing new drugs to prevent seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy
Official title: Small molecule inhibitors of TrkB Signaling
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10917401 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at temporal lobe epilepsy, a tough type of epilepsy that doesn't always get better with current treatments, and it's trying to find new ways to stop the harmful brain signals that cause it, using tests in mice to discover potential new medicines for people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $411,928 |
| NIH project number | 5R61NS133213-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917401 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults suffering from temporal lobe epilepsy, particularly those who have not responded well to existing anticonvulsant treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of epilepsy or those who do not have temporal lobe epilepsy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), a severe form of epilepsy that often does not respond to current treatments. The team is investigating the molecular mechanisms that lead to TLE, particularly how status epilepticus can trigger this condition. By identifying specific molecular targets, they aim to develop small molecule inhibitors that can block harmful signaling pathways in the brain. The research involves extensive testing in mouse models to find effective compounds that could eventually be used in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent seizures in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar molecular pathways for epilepsy treatment, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcnamara, James O. — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Mcnamara, James O.
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.