Targeting atrial fibrillation with deep learning-guided drug discovery
Official title: Harnessing Deep Learning Methods for Drug Discovery for Atrial Fibrillation
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11387050 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new NIH grant aims to use advanced computer methods to find safer, more effective drugs for atrial fibrillation that could reduce hospitalizations and improve quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $743,545 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL186546-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387050 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with atrial fibrillation or related arrhythmias who may later be eligible for AF therapies or trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without AF or those not seeking pharmaceutical treatment changes may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses deep learning to identify and optimize compounds that could treat atrial fibrillation by targeting heart-cell signals, with a focus on minimizing side effects. The work builds on prior findings that specific potassium channels in atrial cells play a key role in AF, and aims to translate those insights into new drug candidates. If successful, the approach could speed up discovery and reduce reliance on invasive procedures like ablation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potential to lead to safer, more effective medications for AF that complement or reduce the need for procedures.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that targeting atrial-specific channels can be a promising strategy and that AI-driven drug discovery is an emerging, hopeful approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Miao — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Miao
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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.