NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Exploring how vinpocetine may help improve cognitive issues from fetal alcohol exposure

Official title: Vinpocetine Mediation of Prior Fetal Alcohol Exposure

Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10954146 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a drug called vinpocetine might help improve thinking and learning skills in people who have cognitive challenges from fetal alcohol exposure, and it will first test the right amount of the drug in animals before moving on to trials with humans.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project startSeptember 25, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$362,596
NIH project number1R61AA031291-01A1
Project IDNIH-10954146 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) or those who have experienced fetal alcohol exposure.

Less likely to help

Patients without a history of fetal alcohol exposure or those not diagnosed with FASD may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the potential of vinpocetine, a drug that may enhance neuronal plasticity, to treat cognitive impairments caused by fetal alcohol exposure. The study will first establish the effective dose of vinpocetine in animal models of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) to determine the appropriate plasma concentrations needed for human trials. By understanding how different doses affect cognitive function, the research aims to pave the way for future clinical trials that could provide new treatment options for affected individuals.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for individuals with cognitive impairments due to fetal alcohol exposure.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with vinpocetine in animal models, suggesting potential for success in human applications.

Where this research is happening

  • Stanford University
    Stanford, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Meador, Kimford J — Stanford University
  • Study coordinator: Meador, Kimford J

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.