Peripheral orexin drugs to help movement in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Official title: Peripheral orexin agonists to improve motor function in a mouse model of Parkinson’s Disease
Funded at Minneapolis VA Medical Center · NIH-11464901 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to test whether peripheral orexin agonists can improve motor function in a Parkinson’s disease mouse model to inform potential future benefits for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Minneapolis VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2026 |
| Project end | September 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 1I01RD000674-01A2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11464901 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with Parkinson’s disease who could potentially participate in future trials of orexin-targeted therapies once translated to human studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without PD or those unlikely to respond to orexin-based motor priming may not experience benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores a new approach using peripherally delivered orexin agonists to prime the motor system and support movement in Parkinson’s disease mechanisms studied in mice. The work focuses on changes in brain activity related to movement and how these drugs might influence beta-band activity and sensorimotor oscillations. By understanding the neurobiological effects and safety in animals, researchers aim to identify whether this strategy could translate to improved motor symptoms for people with PD in the VA system. The study is rooted in a translational goal to pave the way for future clinical exploration in veterans affected by PD and related neurological conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new ways to improve motor function and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease, including veterans receiving care within the VA system.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies have shown that orexin can modulate motor-related brain activity, suggesting potential for benefit, though human data are needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Minneapolis VA Medical Center
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kotz, Catherine M — Minneapolis VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kotz, Catherine M
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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.