DRhQ: a new approach to protect brain cells after drug-related injury by targeting CD74 signaling
Official title: Treatment of CNS damage from non-disordered drug use with DRhQ, a novel regulator of CD74 signaling
Funded at Virogenomics Biodevelopment, INC. · NIH-11237537 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new treatment called DRhQ aims to reduce brain damage from non-disordered drug use, using a molecule that calms inflammation and supports white-matter health in affected individuals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virogenomics Biodevelopment, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tigard, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $399,889 |
| NIH project number | 1R41DA064189-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11237537 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with acquired brain injury associated with stimulant exposure who may benefit from therapies targeting brain inflammation and axonal repair.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without stimulant-related brain injury or non-brain-injury conditions may not benefit from this therapy.
What this research studies
This project tests a novel therapy, DRhQ, designed to interact with immune signaling in the brain to lessen damage from stimulant exposure. The work builds on animal model data showing reduced inflammation and improved cognitive function after DRhQ treatment. Researchers will examine whether DRhQ can protect neurons and white matter from injury and potentially reverse existing damage, with a focus on translating findings toward clinical use. The study is conducted in the lab setting using models of brain injury related to stimulant exposure to inform future human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, DRhQ could reduce brain injury after stimulant exposure and improve cognitive outcomes in patients with acquired brain injury related to drug use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in animal models suggest DRhQ-related strategies can reduce inflammation and protect neural tissue, supporting continued development.
Where this research is happening
-
Virogenomics Biodevelopment, INC.
Tigard, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shirley, Renee Lynn — Virogenomics Biodevelopment, INC.
- Study coordinator: Shirley, Renee Lynn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Couples-based motivational interviewing to reduce drug use and HIV risk in vulnerable male couples
A couples-focused program helps at-risk male couples reduce drug use and HIV risk together.
-
How growing up poor in rural Georgia affects children's brains and risk for drug use
This project looks at how early poverty and stress in rural Georgia change children's brain systems and their later chances of using drugs.
-
Understanding why teens relapse after treatment and how to keep them safe
A teen-focused study will look at why adolescents who finish inpatient treatment sometimes return to high-risk drug use and how that affects overdose risk.
-
Peer-led intervention to spread overdose prevention and support quitting opioids in high-risk communities
A randomized trial will test a peer-education program to reduce overdoses and help people who use opioids start or stay in treatment, by using social networks and new withdrawal-focused strategies.
-
High-Dose Medications for Opioid Use Disorder and Retention in Care
This project tests whether adjusted, higher-dose MOUD regimens can help people stay in treatment and reduce overdose risks during the fentanyl crisis.
-
OVAL: How laws about drug use in pregnancy affect pregnant and new mothers who use drugs
A nationwide project is looking at how laws about drug use in pregnancy influence health for pregnant and postpartum women who use drugs.
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.