Finding new treatments for hard-to-treat epilepsy using fruit flies
Optimized Anti-Epileptic Screening Using Drosophila Models
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA · NIH-11040250
This study is looking for new treatments for people with epilepsy who haven't found relief from current medications, using fruit flies to test a variety of existing drugs in hopes of discovering something that works better.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11040250 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates new anti-seizure medications for individuals with pharmacoresistant epilepsy, a condition where current treatments are ineffective. By utilizing a genetic model organism, the fruit fly, researchers have developed a method to screen a large library of existing drugs to identify potential new uses for them. The study aims to enhance the screening process using advanced video tracking and electrophysiology techniques, ultimately leading to the discovery of effective treatments for patients who do not respond to standard therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pharmacoresistant epilepsy, particularly those with Duplication 15q syndrome.
Not a fit: Patients with epilepsy who respond well to existing anti-seizure medications may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients suffering from difficult-to-treat epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has successfully identified new uses for existing drugs in similar models, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES
- TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA — NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: REITER, LAWRENCE T — TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
- Study coordinator: REITER, LAWRENCE T
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.
Conditions: 15q+ syndrome