Peptide therapy to improve gut function in older adults
Official title: Peptide therapy for age-associated gut dysmotility
Funded at Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego · NIH-10747982 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special treatment using peptides might help older adults who have trouble with their digestion, like constipation or diarrhea, by improving how their gut works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $176,015 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG080246-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10747982 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing gastrointestinal problems such as chronic constipation or diarrhea.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or do not have gut motility issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how peptide therapy can address gut motility issues commonly experienced by older adults. As people age, their digestive systems often slow down, leading to problems like constipation and diarrhea. The study aims to understand the role of specific peptides in enhancing gut motility and potentially alleviating these debilitating symptoms. By examining the interactions between neurotransmitters and gut function, the research seeks to develop a new treatment approach for age-related gastrointestinal disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved digestive health and quality of life for older adults suffering from gut motility issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using peptide therapies for gastrointestinal disorders, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mahata, Sushil K — Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego
- Study coordinator: Mahata, Sushil K
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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.