New treatments to increase GABA levels for epilepsy and neuropathic pain
Official title: New Inactivators of GABA Aminotransferase for Epilepsy and Neuropathic Pain
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-10862877 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new medicines that could help people with epilepsy and nerve pain by boosting a brain chemical called GABA, which helps keep brain activity in check, and it aims to create treatments that are safe and effective for those conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 15, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $462,561 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS123057-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10862877 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with epilepsy or those experiencing neuropathic pain, particularly patients who have not responded well to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to epilepsy or neuropathic pain may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new molecules that can inhibit GABA aminotransferase, an enzyme that breaks down GABA, a key neurotransmitter that helps regulate brain activity. By preventing the breakdown of GABA, the research aims to increase its levels in the brain, which could help control seizures in epilepsy and alleviate neuropathic pain. The approach involves creating compounds that can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier and selectively target the enzyme without affecting normal brain function. If successful, this could lead to safer and more effective treatments for patients suffering from these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with safer treatment options for epilepsy and neuropathic pain, potentially reducing the severity and frequency of seizures and pain episodes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar approaches, such as the use of Vigabatrin, which has been effective in treating certain types of epilepsy, although it has notable side effects.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Silverman, Richard B — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Silverman, Richard B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Developing Better Medicines for Epilepsy and Nerve Pain
This research aims to create new medications that can help manage seizures in epilepsy and reduce nerve pain.
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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.
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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.
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.