Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) for preventing and treating drug-resistant epilepsy
Evaluating the disease modifying properties of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) for the prevention and treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsy
This project tests whether the drug dimethyl fumarate (DMF) can prevent or reduce hard-to-control (drug-resistant) epilepsy and the related thinking and mood problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11204703 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use rat models of epilepsy to see if DMF given at the time of a brain injury or later after seizures begin can change the course of the disease. They will measure drug levels in blood and brain, confirm activation of the antioxidant Nrf2 pathway, and monitor seizure severity, memory, and anxiety-related behaviors. An automated medication-in-food delivery system will provide stable dosing to mimic chronic treatment, and both male and female rats will be studied. If these preclinical results look promising, they would support moving DMF into human trials for people at risk for or living with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at high risk for epilepsy after a brain injury (like stroke, TBI, or status epilepticus) and people living with drug-resistant epilepsy would be the most likely candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: People whose seizures are well controlled on current medicines or whose epilepsy is caused by conditions unlikely to respond to antioxidant therapy may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, DMF could offer a new treatment that lowers seizure burden and protects thinking and mood in people with or at risk for drug-resistant epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal work, including data from this group, shows DMF reduces chronic seizure severity and boosts antioxidant defenses, but human testing in epilepsy is still lacking.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White, H Steve — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: White, H Steve
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 below.