Improving how drugs enter cells by activating specific channels.
Official title: Pharmacologically tuning membrane permeability to drug-sized organic cations through activation of KCa3.1 channels
Funded at Clarkson University · NIH-10974848 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help medications work better by making it easier for them to get into cells, especially for certain types of drugs, so that patients can benefit more from their treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clarkson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Potsdam, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $428,924 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM155885-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974848 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals requiring treatment with weak acid or base medications that struggle with cellular uptake.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not using medications that rely on cellular transport mechanisms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the ability of drugs to penetrate cell membranes, which is crucial for their effectiveness. It focuses on the role of calcium-activated potassium channels in facilitating the transport of drug-sized organic cations across cellular barriers. By pharmacologically tuning these channels, the study aims to improve drug delivery and efficacy, particularly for weak acid and base medications. The approach involves manipulating the activity of transport proteins to optimize drug absorption and distribution within the body.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective drug therapies by improving how well medications can enter and act within cells.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in enhancing drug delivery through similar mechanisms, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Clarkson University
Potsdam, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Samways, Damien — Clarkson University
- Study coordinator: Samways, Damien
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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.