High-dimensional chemical targeting of brain cells to regulate body weight
Official title: High-dimensional chemical targeting of multiple neuron types to regulate energy balance
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11372881 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses advanced chemistry and AI to target multiple neuron types in the brain to help people manage body weight with fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $800,000 |
| NIH project number | 5DP1DK139958-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11372881 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals interested in obesity research or future trials related to brain-targeted weight management therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without obesity-related conditions or those seeking non-brain-targeted weight management approaches may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to finely tune multiple neuron types involved in appetite and energy balance, especially in the arcuate nucleus and PVH, using AI-guided pharmacology. Researchers will explore how coordinated changes in neuron activity can promote satiety and reduce body weight. The work involves advanced imaging and 3-D techniques to study neural circuits in animal models and test how combined neural modulation affects feeding behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to safer, more effective ways to reduce food intake and manage obesity by precisely targeting brain circuits.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that coordinated neural activity changes can more effectively reduce feeding than targeting a single neuron type.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Andermann, Mark L — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Andermann, Mark L
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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.