Nonpeptide drugs to boost nerve growth for spinal cord repair
Official title: Nonpeptide Neurotrophic Mechanisms in Spinal Cord Repair
Funded at City College of New York · NIH-11618986 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in animals explores small molecule drugs that can cross into the brain and help nerve fibers regrow after spinal cord injury, with the goal of restoring some function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | City College of New York NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $36,631 |
| NIH project number | 3R16NS129675-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11618986 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with spinal cord injury in which neuroregenerative approaches could be relevant and who participate in future translational studies or trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with injuries outside the scope of neuroregenerative targets or without access to future trials may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how certain small molecules can boost growth factors in the spinal cord to encourage nerve repair after traumatic injury. Researchers will screen and test compounds in tissue cultures and animal models to see which ones promote axon regrowth. The work aims to identify drug-like candidates that act on neurotrophic pathways and can reach the CNS after systemic administration. If promising, these findings could guide future work toward therapies for people with spinal cord injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new drugs that promote spinal cord repair and potentially improve function for people with SCI.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in models suggests that boosting growth-factor signaling can promote nerve regrowth, supporting potential for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
City College of New York
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Undieh, Ashiwel S — City College of New York
- Study coordinator: Undieh, Ashiwel 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.