Investigating how endocannabinoids control seizures in epilepsy
Official title: Activity-dependent endocannabinoid control in epilepsy
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11064806 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain natural substances in the body, called endocannabinoids, might help control seizures in people with temporal lobe epilepsy, and it hopes to find new ways to treat those who struggle with frequent seizures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $584,972 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131728-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064806 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy and experience uncontrolled seizures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with epilepsy types other than temporal lobe epilepsy or those who do not respond to cannabinoid therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of endocannabinoids in regulating seizures in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). By utilizing advanced tools to monitor and manipulate specific brain cells in living mice, the researchers aim to uncover how cannabinoid signaling is altered in chronic epilepsy. The study will explore the potential of non-invasive interventions to target these signaling pathways, which could lead to new treatment options for patients suffering from uncontrolled seizures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that significantly reduce seizure frequency and improve the quality of life for patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using cannabinoid therapies for various neurological disorders, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in epilepsy.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Soltesz, Ivan — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Soltesz, Ivan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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A study to help children with epilepsy in Africa get diagnosed and receive seizure care through trained community health workers.
-
Closed-loop control of interneuron timing to influence seizures and memory in epilepsy
A study tests a brain-quieting system that uses light to precisely time certain brain cells in epilepsy-prone mice to see if this can lessen seizures and improve memory.
-
Epilepsy Data Ecosystem: A Big-Data Sharing Platform for Better Care
A national effort to collect and share large, multi‑modal brain data from people with medication‑resistant epilepsy to speed discoveries and improve treatment options.
-
Exploring epilepsy genes in zebrafish to understand human brain seizures
A study in zebrafish will model human epilepsy genes to help explain how certain brain mutations contribute to seizures.
-
New MRI tools to better plan pediatric epilepsy surgery
A new MRI-based approach helps doctors decide the best time to surgically remove brain tissue in children with difficult-to-control seizures.
-
Sahel Epilepsy Study: finding patterns in epilepsy in rural Africa and its links to genes
A plan to study epilepsy in rural Nigeria to discover how common it is, what factors affect risk, and how genetics may influence it, with results that could improve care for people with epilepsy.
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.