Exploring how new molecules affect anesthesia
Official title: Novel Molecules as a Window to Anesthetic Mechanisms
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11019936 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new version of a common anesthetic called propofol to understand how it works and find ways to make anesthesia safer and more effective for patients during surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $406,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156838-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019936 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing surgical procedures that require general anesthesia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require anesthesia for their medical procedures or those with contraindications to anesthetic agents may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms of anesthesia by examining a new derivative of propofol, known as propofluor, which has shown unexpected effects in animal models. The study aims to identify specific targets that anesthetics interact with, which could lead to safer and more effective anesthetic drugs. By using advanced experimental techniques, researchers will differentiate between harmful and beneficial interactions of anesthetics, ultimately improving patient safety during surgical procedures. The findings could provide insights into the design of new anesthetic agents with better therapeutic profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of safer anesthetic drugs, reducing the risks associated with anesthesia during surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding anesthetic mechanisms, but this approach using a novel propofol derivative is relatively untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White, Elizabeth Railey — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: White, Elizabeth Railey
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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.