Finding new small molecules to activate orexin receptors
Official title: Identification of small molecule orexin agonists
Funded at Research Triangle Institute · NIH-11044894 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new medications that can help improve sleep and memory by targeting a system in the brain called orexin, which is important for staying awake and thinking clearly, especially for people with sleep disorders like narcolepsy or those facing cognitive challenges as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Triangle Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project start | March 13, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $107,279 |
| NIH project number | 1R03NS141044-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044894 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from narcolepsy, Alzheimer's disease, or other conditions associated with orexin deficiency.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sleep disorders or cognitive impairments related to orexin deficiency may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to discover new small molecule orexin agonists by screening a library of approximately 100,000 compounds. The orexin system is crucial for regulating sleep and cognitive functions, and deficiencies in orexin can lead to sleep disorders like narcolepsy and cognitive impairments associated with aging and Alzheimer's disease. By identifying effective orexin agonists, the research seeks to develop potential treatments that could enhance wakefulness and memory without adverse effects. The approach involves high-throughput screening and testing in animal models to evaluate the efficacy of these compounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for sleep disorders and cognitive decline, improving the quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using orexin agonists in animal models, indicating potential for success in developing new treatments.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Triangle Institute
Research Triangle Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Yanan — Research Triangle Institute
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Yanan
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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.