Targeted medicines for D4 dopamine receptor variants linked to ADHD
Official title: Development of High-Affinity and Selective Ligands as a Pharmacological Tool for the Dopamine D4 Receptor (D4R) Subtype Variants
Funded at High Point University · NIH-11320905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Developing new molecules that specifically target versions of the D4 dopamine receptor found in people with ADHD and some substance use disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | High Point University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (High Point, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $447,000 |
| NIH project number | 5DP1DA058385-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11320905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with ADHD or with substance use disorders, especially those known or suspected to carry DRD4 gene variants, would be the most relevant candidates if the project later seeks patient samples or clinical input.
✕Less likely to help
People without ADHD or without relevant DRD4 variants are unlikely to see direct benefits from this preclinical research in the near term.
What this research studies
Researchers will design and refine chemical compounds that bind with high affinity and selectivity to different human DRD4 receptor variants (for example D4.2, D4.4, D4.7). They will test these molecules in laboratory cell systems and signaling assays to see how each variant responds and how the compounds change receptor interactions with other brain receptors. Promising molecules will be profiled for activity in living models to check brain-relevant effects and suitability for further development. The goal is to reveal how D4 variants alter attention-related signaling and to identify compounds that could become targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more precise treatments for ADHD and related substance use problems by targeting the specific receptor variants that affect attention and decision-making.
How similar studies have gone: Laboratory studies have shown variant-specific signaling with some D4 compounds (for example A-412997 analogs), but no approved drug yet targets D4 variants specifically, so the approach is promising but early.
Where this research is happening
-
High Point University
High Point, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boateng, Comfort Ahenkan — High Point University
- Study coordinator: Boateng, Comfort Ahenkan
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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.