Preventing Epilepsy with Adenosine-Targeted Approaches
Therapies for Epilepsy Prevention - Focus on Adenosine
This research explores new ways to prevent epilepsy from developing by targeting specific brain chemicals, using medicines that are already approved for other conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128339 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our goal is to stop epilepsy before it starts, which is a major challenge in medicine. We are looking at how changes in a brain chemical called adenosine contribute to the development of epilepsy after an injury. By using existing FDA-approved drugs that can block certain adenosine receptors or help balance other brain chemicals, we aim to interrupt the process that turns a healthy brain into an epileptic one. This work uses animal models to test these interventions and understand how they might prevent seizures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is foundational and aims to benefit individuals who are at risk of developing epilepsy following a brain injury or other triggers.
Not a fit: Patients who already have established epilepsy may not directly benefit from these prevention-focused strategies, as the goal is to stop the disease before it begins.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the first therapies capable of preventing epilepsy from ever developing in individuals at risk.
How similar studies have performed: This approach builds on over 25 years of research into adenosine metabolism and utilizes existing FDA-approved drugs, suggesting a strong foundation for its potential success.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boison, Detlev — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Boison, Detlev
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 below.