Investigating how a specific brain receptor affects breathing in obesity-related conditions
Official title: Respiratory effects of the melanocortin 4 receptor in the lateral parabrachial nucleus
Funded at George Washington University · NIH-11162568 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain receptor in the body can help improve breathing for people with obesity hypoventilation syndrome, a condition that makes it hard to breathe well during sleep, and it’s testing a medication called setmelanotide to see if it can help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | July 22, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $43,644 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HL174409-01S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162568 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with obesity hypoventilation syndrome or related sleep disordered breathing conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without obesity or those who do not experience sleep disordered breathing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the melanocortin 4 receptor in regulating breathing, particularly in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome, a serious condition characterized by poor breathing during sleep. The study utilizes animal models that mimic human conditions to explore how activating this receptor can improve breathing responses to elevated carbon dioxide levels. By examining the effects of a specific drug, setmelanotide, the research aims to identify potential new treatments for patients suffering from sleep disordered breathing due to obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new pharmacological treatments that significantly improve breathing and overall health for patients with obesity-related sleep disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches, particularly in using melanocortin receptor agonists to treat obesity-related conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
George Washington University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Polotsky, Vsevolod Y — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Polotsky, Vsevolod Y
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.