New treatments for prion diseases that affect the brain
Novel Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Malleability of Wild-Type and Mutant Prions
This study is looking at new ways to treat prion diseases by testing different oral medications that might help reduce harmful proteins in the brain, with the hope of finding better treatments to help people live longer and healthier lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10798323 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at treating prion diseases, which are fatal neurodegenerative disorders. The approach involves testing various oral drugs that have shown promise in reducing the formation of harmful prion proteins in animal models. By understanding how these prions adapt and develop resistance to treatments, the researchers aim to improve the effectiveness of therapies and potentially extend disease-free survival for affected individuals. The study also explores the dynamics of prion strains and their response to drug combinations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with prion diseases, including sporadic, infectious, or inherited forms.
Not a fit: Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those not affected by prion diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments that prolong survival and improve the quality of life for patients with prion diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While prion diseases are challenging to treat, preliminary findings suggest that similar approaches have shown potential in animal models, although this specific strategy is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
Hanover, United States
- Dartmouth College — Hanover, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Supattapone, Surachai — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Supattapone, Surachai
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.