Identifying drug targets for obesity-related genes
Official title: Virtual systemic identification of drug targets of obesity candidate genes
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11019753 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to help people with obesity by finding safer and more effective medications that work better than the ones we have now, which can sometimes cause unwanted side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $661,107 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135938-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019753 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults struggling with obesity who may benefit from new pharmaceutical treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not obese or those who have already undergone bariatric surgery may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates potential drug targets for obesity by analyzing candidate genes associated with the condition. It aims to develop safer and more effective pharmaceutical treatments for obesity, addressing the limitations of current options that often lead to adverse effects. The approach involves a virtual systemic identification process, which utilizes advanced computational methods to explore the interactions between genes and potential drug compounds. Patients may benefit from new medications that could help manage obesity without the severe side effects seen in existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of safer and more effective medications for obesity management.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in identifying drug targets for obesity, but this approach may offer novel insights into safer treatment options.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Yingchang — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lu, Yingchang
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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.