New medications to improve brain function in autism and schizophrenia
Development of Kv3.1 potentiators for correcting fast-spiking-interneuron hypofunction in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder
['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11092276
This research looks for new medications that could help balance brain activity in people with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11092276 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia experience an imbalance in brain activity, where some signals are too strong and others are too weak. Our team is working to find new drugs that can help restore this balance by targeting a specific protein called Kv3.1, which is important for certain brain cells to work correctly. By making these brain cells more active, we hope to improve thinking, sensory processing, and behavior. This project focuses on identifying and refining these potential new medications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational drug discovery work is not yet recruiting patients, but future clinical trials would likely seek individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or schizophrenia.
Not a fit: Patients without autism spectrum disorder or schizophrenia would not be the focus of any future treatments developed from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new drug treatments that improve cognitive function and reduce symptoms for individuals living with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific drugs are novel, there is growing evidence suggesting that targeting Kv3.1 channels could be a promising approach for these conditions.
Where this research is happening
NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER — NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DENTON, JEROD S. — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: DENTON, JEROD S.
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 below.
Conditions: Autistic Disorder