Finding new treatments for Kennedy's Disease using androgen receptor degraders
Official title: Discovery of Novel Selective Androgen Receptor Degraders (SARDs) for the Treatment of Spinobulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA) or Kennedy’s Disease
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-10993636 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment for Kennedy's Disease, a condition that affects the nerves, by testing special compounds that might help slow down the disease and improve life for those living with it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $337,272 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131106-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993636 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Kennedy's Disease or spinobulbar muscular atrophy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of muscular dystrophy or neurodegenerative diseases unrelated to androgen receptor dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Kennedy's Disease, a progressive neurodegenerative condition caused by a genetic mutation in the androgen receptor. The study aims to develop novel selective androgen receptor degraders (SARDs) that can potentially slow or stop the disease's progression. Researchers will evaluate these new compounds using preclinical models to understand their effectiveness and mechanisms of action. By targeting the misfolded androgen receptor protein, the goal is to find a therapeutic approach that could improve the quality of life for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly slow down or halt the progression of Kennedy's Disease.
How similar studies have gone: While research on androgen receptor degradation is ongoing, this specific approach using SARDs for Kennedy's Disease is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Narayanan, Ramesh — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Narayanan, Ramesh
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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.