Using a new oral medication to improve immune response in inflammatory bowel disease.
Official title: Restoring Tolerance in Inflammatory Bowel Disease with an Oral AMPK agonist Nanomedicine that Targets Antigen Presenting Cells.
Funded at Qrono, INC · NIH-11067170 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new oral medication called QR401 that aims to help people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by improving their immune system and reducing inflammation, using special particles to boost the function of certain immune cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Qrono, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $306,468 |
| NIH project number | 1R41DK142311-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067170 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and have not responded well to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease who are currently well-managed on existing therapies may not see additional benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel oral medication, QR401, that targets antigen presenting cells (APCs) to restore immune balance in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The approach involves using custom nanoparticles to activate the AMPK pathway in APCs, which has been shown to be downregulated in IBD patients. By enhancing the function of these immune cells, the treatment aims to reduce inflammation and improve patient outcomes. The research builds on promising preclinical findings that suggest AMPK activation can alleviate disease severity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective long-term treatment option for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the AMPK pathway has been a target of interest in IBD, this specific approach using APC-targeted therapy is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Qrono, INC
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cargill, Christina Paige — Qrono, INC
- Study coordinator: Cargill, Christina Paige
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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.