Finding new drugs that mimic the benefits of exercise
Synergizing Common Fund Data from MoTrPAC and LINCS for the Discovery of Novel Exercise Mimetic Drugs
This study is looking for new medications that can give you the same health benefits as exercise, especially if you find it hard to be active, by finding small molecules that can mimic what exercise does in your body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10989418 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to discover new medications that can replicate the health benefits of exercise for individuals who may struggle to engage in physical activity. By analyzing data from two major NIH projects, the researchers will identify biomolecular pathways activated by exercise and find small molecules that can trigger similar responses in the body. This approach could lead to the development of 'exercise-in-a-pill' solutions, making it easier for patients to achieve the health benefits of exercise without needing to physically engage in it. The project will create an interactive resource to help identify these potential drug candidates.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old who have difficulty exercising due to chronic diseases or other health issues.
Not a fit: Patients who are already able to engage in regular physical activity may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with new treatment options that deliver the health benefits of exercise without requiring physical activity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using biomolecular pathways to develop pharmacological solutions that mimic exercise, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knowles, Joshua Wiley — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Knowles, Joshua Wiley
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.