Drugs that block TrkB signaling in the brain
Small molecule inhibitors of TrkB Signaling
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11377765
This project is developing small-molecule drugs to block TrkB signaling to help adults with temporal lobe epilepsy who continue to have seizures despite current medicines.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11377765 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You should know researchers are building on earlier work showing that blocking a pathway called TrkB-PLCγ1 can prevent temporal lobe epilepsy in adult mice. They will test and compare multiple chemical series in the lab and in mouse experiments to improve potency, brain delivery, and safety. The team will benchmark compounds, expand promising series, and optimize a lead candidate for entry into the drug-discovery pipeline. All work is done at Duke University with support from the Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network and focuses on preclinical steps needed before human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with temporal lobe epilepsy, especially those whose seizures are not controlled by current anticonvulsant medications or who are at high risk after status epilepticus, would be the most likely candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: Children, people with epilepsy types unrelated to temporal lobe epilepsy, and patients seeking immediate clinical treatment would not directly benefit from this preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could produce a drug that prevents or reduces seizures in people with temporal lobe epilepsy, offering a disease-modifying option where none currently exists.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have shown that blocking TrkB-PLCγ1 signaling can prevent epilepsy development in mice, but effectiveness in humans has not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- 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 below.