Using verapamil to protect the brain and reduce inflammation after organophosphate poisoning
Official title: Identification and optimization of verapamil as a novel neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory agent for reducing long-term neurological morbidities following organophosphate-induced status epilepticus
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10915000 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether verapamil, a heart medication, can help protect the brain and reduce inflammation in people who have had seizures caused by exposure to certain toxic chemicals, with the hope of improving long-term brain health and reducing problems like memory issues and more seizures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $526,392 |
| NIH project number | 5UG3NS133630-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915000 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have survived organophosphate poisoning and are experiencing neurological symptoms such as cognitive impairments or seizures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to organophosphate compounds or who do not exhibit neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of verapamil, a medication typically used for heart conditions, as a potential treatment to protect the brain and reduce inflammation in patients who have experienced organophosphate-induced status epilepticus. The study aims to understand how verapamil can mitigate long-term neurological issues, such as cognitive impairments and seizures, that arise after exposure to toxic organophosphate compounds. By administering verapamil after the acute phase of poisoning, researchers hope to observe improvements in brain health and function. The approach includes both laboratory studies and potential clinical applications to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that significantly improve recovery and quality of life for patients affected by organophosphate poisoning.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with the use of verapamil in other central nervous system injuries, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deshpande, Laxmikant S — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Deshpande, Laxmikant S
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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.