New treatments for muscle diseases caused by ion channel problems
Official title: Novel Approaches to Therapy of Muscle Ion Channelopathies
Funded at Wright State University · NIH-11047918 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at two muscle conditions, myotonia congenita and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, to see how certain channels in our muscles affect stiffness and weakness, with the goal of finding better treatments to help people with these issues feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wright State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dayton, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2019 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $570,251 |
| NIH project number | 2R01AR074985-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047918 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with myotonia congenita or hyperkalemic periodic paralysis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with muscle disorders not related to ion channel dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates two muscle diseases, myotonia congenita and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HPP), which are linked to abnormal electrical activity in muscles. Using mouse models, the team will explore how specific ion channels, particularly sodium and chloride channels, contribute to muscle stiffness and weakness. The study aims to identify whether targeting a specific type of sodium current can lead to more effective treatments for these conditions. By employing genetic, pharmacologic, and computational methods, the researchers hope to develop new therapies that could improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients suffering from muscle ion channelopathies, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on ion channel blockers, this approach focusing on selective targeting of specific sodium currents is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Wright State University
Dayton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rich, Mark M — Wright State University
- Study coordinator: Rich, Mark M
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.