OPC-X screen: discovering compounds to help remyelination in MS
Official title: OPC-X screen: Discovery of small molecule inhibitors to overcome extrinsic inhibition of remyelination.
Funded at J. David Gladstone Institutes · NIH-11395482 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research grant is testing small molecules that could help brain cells responsible for making myelin to mature and remyelinate nerves in people with multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | J. David Gladstone Institutes NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $472,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R33NS133257-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11395482 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with multiple sclerosis who could benefit from remyelination therapies may be candidates for future trials.
✕Less likely to help
The current preclinical stage may not yet translate to direct benefits for all MS patients.
What this research studies
This project aims to find compounds that counteract a blocker created by fibrinogen in MS and promote the maturation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells into myelin-producing cells. Researchers use a high-throughput OPC-X screen in a 96-well format and have identified BMP receptor inhibitors that increase oligodendrocyte production in the test system. They have also shown promising results in animal models where the compounds improved disease-related scores. The goal is to move toward therapies that slow MS progression by enabling remyelination.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new treatments that promote myelin repair and slow disability progression in MS.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data show BMP receptor inhibitors can boost oligodendrocyte production and remyelination in models, suggesting potential but needs clinical validation.
Where this research is happening
-
J. David Gladstone Institutes
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akassoglou, Katerina — J. David Gladstone Institutes
- Study coordinator: Akassoglou, Katerina
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.