Using machine learning to find new treatments for poisoning and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Machine learning approaches to predict Acetylcholinesterase inhibition and model applications
Funded at Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, INC. · NIH-11182697 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research uses computer intelligence to discover new medicines that can help people affected by certain types of poisoning and conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fuquay Varina, United States) |
| Project start | December 10, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,317,335 |
| NIH project number | 5R44ES033855-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11182697 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients who might benefit from this research are those suffering from organophosphorus poisoning or individuals living with Alzheimer's disease dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose conditions are unrelated to acetylcholinesterase activity or organophosphorus poisoning would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Organophosphorus (OP) compounds are a common cause of poisoning worldwide, leading to serious health issues and many deaths each year. These compounds disrupt a crucial enzyme called acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is vital for nerve function. When AChE is blocked, a chemical called acetylcholine builds up, causing overstimulation of nerves. This project uses advanced machine learning to efficiently search for new compounds that can block AChE, aiming to find better treatments for OP poisoning and potentially for Alzheimer's disease, where AChE inhibitors are also used.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the discovery of new and more effective medications to treat organophosphorus poisoning and improve care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: The researchers have already conducted preliminary work and completed a prior phase of this project, successfully generating models and identifying active compounds against acetylcholinesterase.
Where this research is happening
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Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, INC.
Fuquay Varina, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ekins, Sean — Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, INC.
- Study coordinator: Ekins, Sean
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.