Verapamil as a neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory aid after organophosphate-induced brain injury
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-11401833 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to see if verapamil can protect the brain and reduce inflammation after dangerous organophosphate exposure that can cause lasting brain problems.
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, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $641,255 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3NS133630-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401833 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients at risk of or recovering from organophosphate exposure would benefit from treatments that reduce brain inflammation and injury.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without exposure to organophosphate toxicity or without related brain injury would not be directly benefited.
What this research studies
This project tests whether giving verapamil after organophosphate-induced brain injury can lessen long-term brain damage and inflammation. The research team will use animal or cellular models to simulate status epilepticus and assess neuroprotection and inflammatory markers. If results are promising, this could point toward a new approach to prevent cognitive problems and seizures after exposure. The study builds on prior safety data and aims to translate findings toward human relevance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, verapamil could become a new strategy to reduce brain injury and cognitive deficits after organophosphate exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work suggests that calcium-channel blockers like verapamil can have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in CNS injury models.
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.