Repurposing NEXLETOL to treat ischemic stroke
Official title: Repurposing NEXLETOL for the treatment of ischemic stroke
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11468414 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to see if the cholesterol drug NEXLETOL can help people after an ischemic stroke by supporting brain energy use and reducing injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | March 10, 2016 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $214,525 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM109036-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11468414 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with ischemic stroke who have or are at risk due to dyslipidemia and related metabolic conditions, and who could participate in future clinical investigations.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without ischemic stroke or without the specific metabolic context may not benefit from this research approach.
What this research studies
This project explores whether NEXLETOL (bempedoic acid), a medicine already approved for high cholesterol, can improve brain cell energy and protect the blood vessels after an ischemic stroke. By focusing on fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial function in brain microvascular cells and microglia, researchers plan to see if the drug reduces blood-brain barrier damage and inflammation and supports better neurological recovery in a stroke model. The study builds on preliminary findings showing impaired energy pathways after stroke and suggests a repurposed therapy that could move toward human testing if results hold true. The team at Tulane University will investigate the drug’s effects in diseased models to inform future clinical opportunities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new treatment approach that improves brain energy balance and reduces damage after ischemic stroke, potentially improving recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies in models of ischemic injury have shown that supporting mitochondrial function can reduce brain injury, but human data are limited and further evidence is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Ning — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Liu, Ning
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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EP2 blockers to protect the brain after a stroke
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Genetic testing to find causes of early-onset ischemic stroke
This project uses whole-exome sequencing to look for gene changes that may cause ischemic stroke in adults who had a stroke at a young age.
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Targeted nanomedicine to protect the brain after stroke
A targeted drug-delivery approach aims to boost blood-brain barrier repair and reduce brain damage after an acute ischemic stroke in patients at risk.
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How biological aging and blood proteins relate to thinking after a stroke
This project looks at whether measures of biological aging and patterns of blood proteins help explain which stroke survivors keep their thinking sharp and which go on to develop vascular dementia.
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Modeling Acute Ischemic Stroke to Improve Mechanical Thrombectomy
A research project is creating better computer models and animal studies to help remove clots more safely and effectively in people who have an acute ischemic stroke.
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.