Exploring how farnesol affects gut health and inflammation in multiple sclerosis
Official title: Therapeutic Mechanisms of Farnesol in Modulating Gut Dysbiosis and Neuroinflammation in Multiple Sclerosis
Funded at Boise State University · NIH-11116456 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a natural compound called farnesol might help improve gut health and reduce inflammation in people with multiple sclerosis, to see if it can make managing MS symptoms easier and improve overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boise State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boise, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $418,493 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI191202-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11116456 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who may experience gut dysbiosis and neuroinflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other autoimmune diseases unrelated to multiple sclerosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of farnesol, a natural compound, on gut health and inflammation in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study aims to understand how farnesol can influence gut microbiota and the integrity of the intestinal barrier, which may play a role in the progression of MS. By examining these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic benefits of farnesol in managing MS symptoms and improving patient outcomes. Participants may be involved in assessments of gut health and inflammation levels throughout the study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing multiple sclerosis by improving gut health and reducing neuroinflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting gut health and inflammation in autoimmune diseases, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Boise State University
Boise, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ochoa-Reparaz, Javier — Boise State University
- Study coordinator: Ochoa-Reparaz, Javier
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Susceptibility-based MRI biomarkers for multiple sclerosis
A short-term study aims to test MRI biomarkers that could help diagnose and predict MS in patients, using advanced imaging techniques.
-
Microbial Dysbiosis and Its Role in Pancreatic Cancer
A doctor-researcher team at Northwestern University is studying how gut bacteria influence pancreatic cancer and its response to immunotherapy to find new ways to help patients.
-
From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis: How Resolving Inflammation Could Restore Your Mouth’s Balance
This grant explores how turning off the harmful inflammation in periodontitis and promoting natural healing could help restore the mouth’s healthy balance.
-
Antibiotics, gut health, and skin reactions in kids
A small study in children will look at whether antibiotic use and gut bacteria play a role in hives and related symptoms that children sometimes get after antibiotics.
-
Novel therapeutic to protect the gut after radiation
A new GI-directed treatment given after radiation exposure may reduce gut damage and improve survival in people exposed to high-dose radiation.
-
A new GI-focused treatment to reduce radiation damage after exposure
A potential GI-targeted therapy given after radiation exposure may help protect the gut and improve survival in people affected by radiation injuries.
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.