Lung-targeted serotonin blocker for pulmonary arterial hypertension
Official title: Systemically restricted 5-HT2B antagonists for pulmonary arterial hypertension
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11261527 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Developing lung-focused medicines that block a serotonin receptor to help people with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $666,512 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL172247-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11261527 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension who might be eligible for future clinical trials of drugs targeting the 5‑HT2B receptor.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with other types of pulmonary hypertension, those needing immediate therapy today, or those unable or unwilling to join clinical trials would not directly benefit from this preclinical work.
What this research studies
This project is creating new drugs that block the 5‑HT2B serotonin receptor but are designed not to enter the brain, reducing the risk of mood and sleep side effects. Researchers will choose the best lead compounds and perform safety and toxicity testing. They will test those candidates in preclinical (animal) models that mimic pulmonary arterial hypertension to see if the drugs prevent or reverse the disease. The aim is to prepare a safe lead compound for future human clinical trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce a new PAH treatment that reduces lung blood-vessel obstruction without harmful brain-related side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies—including work by this team—show blocking 5‑HT2B can prevent PAH, but earlier drugs crossed into the brain and caused psychiatric side effects, making the brain‑sparing approach comparatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merryman, William D — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Merryman, William D
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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.