Exploring a new treatment target for ALS using ferroptosis
Official title: Investigation of Ferroptosis as a Therapeutic Target for ALS
Funded at South Texas Veterans Health Care System · NIH-11098506 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special kind of cell death called ferroptosis affects ALS, and it aims to see if blocking this process can help protect the nerve cells of people with ALS and slow down the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | South Texas Veterans Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005906-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098506 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), particularly those in the symptomatic stage of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurodegenerative diseases or those in advanced stages of ALS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of ferroptosis, a specific type of cell death, in the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a severe neurodegenerative disease. The study aims to understand how inhibiting ferroptosis can potentially slow down motor neuron degeneration in ALS patients. Using a novel mouse model, researchers will explore the effects of a small molecule compound that targets ferroptosis, assessing its impact on motor neuron health and disease progression. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for ALS by identifying how to protect motor neurons from this form of cell death.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow the progression of ALS and improve the quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in targeting ferroptosis in ALS models, suggesting that this approach may be viable for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
South Texas Veterans Health Care System
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ran, Qitao — South Texas Veterans Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Ran, Qitao
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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.