NIH-funded research R01 grant

Improving treatment options for inflammatory bowel disease using small molecules

Official title: Optimization of small molecule immunomodulators as combination therapy for IBD

Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11072010 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking for new ways to improve treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by creating small molecules that work better with your immune system, aiming to find combinations that help manage the condition with fewer side effects than current treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startApril 10, 2024
Project endFebruary 28, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$664,128
NIH project number5R01DK137299-02
Project IDNIH-11072010 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease who have not responded adequately to existing treatments.

Less likely to help

Patients with mild or well-controlled inflammatory bowel disease may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new small molecule immunomodulators to enhance treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It aims to identify effective combinations of therapies that target specific immune cell receptors, which could lead to better management of the disease. By utilizing a novel platform called Small Molecules from Antibody Pharmacophores (SMAPs), the researchers will create small molecules that minimize the risk of adverse effects compared to current protein-based therapies. This approach seeks to address the high rates of treatment failure seen with existing therapies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide more effective and safer treatment options for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using small molecules for immunomodulation is innovative, similar strategies targeting immune pathways have shown promise in other inflammatory conditions.

Where this research is happening

  • Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Gabr, Moustafa — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
  • Study coordinator: Gabr, Moustafa

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.