University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy investigators continue to grow and expand the research goals of the college through securing collaborations and funding with private and federal sponsors.
Below is a list of COP-led projects that were funded at the university between July 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022.
William Van Nostrand
RYAN – Structural identification and functional consequences of different amyloid strains in Alzheimer’s Disease (July 7, 2022, SUNY Stony Brook, $299,845)
Alzheimer’s Disease is a heterogeneous disease that can present as different neuropathological and clinical subtypes. The reason as to why these different subtypes develop and their different presentation of disease is unknown. The goal of this grant is to identify different structural features of amyloid deposits that accumulate in specific subtypes of AD and how these different amyloid structures promote distinct inflammatory profiles in the brain that may contribute to different clinical presentation of disease.
Novel knock in mutation rat model for CARASIL (July 25, 2022, National Institute on Aging/NIH/DHHS, $332,301)
The goal of this project is to characterize a new rat model for the small vessel disease CARASIL that involves introduction of a mutation in the rat htra1 gene.
Novel gene-edited rat model for development of CAA (Sept. 6, 2022, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/NIH/DHHS, $362,075)
The goal of this grant is to characterize a new gene-edited rat model for cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
Efficacy of siRNA to prevent cerebral amyloid angiopathy in rTg-Dl transgenic rats – Phase 2 (Nov. 1, 2022, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, $118,419)
This project involves studies to test the therapeutic efficacy of Alnylam’s proprietary siRNA to prevent and/or slow the progression of cerebral amyloid angiopathy and associated pathologies in a transgenic rat model of CAA developed in the Van Nostrand laboratory.
Therapeutic reduction of cerebral amyloid angiopathy pathologies in ADRD (Nov. 16, 2022, Regennova, Inc, $224,297)
This grant focuses on testing a novel ApoE mimetic peptide as a therapeutic agent for ameliorating the pathology and cognitive impairment associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy using a transgenic rat model.
Lynn Taylor
Clinical outcomes of liver disease staging evaluations in chronic Hepatitis C (Aug. 24, 2022, Boston Medical Center, $25,014)
This project seeks to determine current hepatic fibrosis staging requirements across representative state Medicaid and commercial payers; measure real-world costs of hepatitis C virus staging and treatment, plus clinical outcomes from staging misclassification; and compare clinical- and cost-effectiveness of staging strategies to determine which yield the best value for each payer
Methadone-maintained smokers switching to e-cigarettes R01 (Sept. 15, 2022, Butler Hospital, $19,379)
The objective of this study is to determine optimal smoking cessation approaches for methadone-maintained smokers.
Optimization and multi-site feasibility of Yoga for chronic pain in people in treatment for opioid use disorder (Dec. 9, 2022, Care New England Health System/Butler–Uebelacker & Stein, $4,542)
We use a factorial design to test intervention components intended to increase class attendance and home practice of yoga for chronic pain in people in opioid agonist therapy treatment for opioid use disorder.
Angela Slitt
Shifting paradigms to emerging toxins in freshwater cyanobacterial blooms (Aug. 31, 2022, National Institutes of Health/DHHS – NIH, $21,800)
The goal of this grant is to characterize how the molecular characteristics of new chemical entities isolated from cyanobacterial blooms relate to potential for liver toxicity. The study will evaluate the potential of cyanotoxins isolated from harmful algal blooms to induce hepatotoxicity in human hepatocytes.
Sources, transport, exposure and effects of PFAS (STEEP) Center (Sept. 13, 2022, National Institutes of Health/DHHS – NIH, $286,440)
The project will focus on evaluating cellular mechanisms that contribute to perfluoroalkylsubstance (PFAS) absorption, distribution and excretion, with a focus on the mechanistic contribution of the Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide 1b1 (Oatp2b1) transporter, ATP-binding cassette super-family G member 2 (Abcg2) transporter, Liver Fatty Acid Binding Protein (LFabp), and albumin.
Jie Shen
In vitro-based approaches to evaluate the bioequivalence of locally-acting rectal and vaginal semi-solid drug products (Sept. 9, 2022, Food and Drug Administration/DHHS, $250,000)
The major objective of this project is to identify the critical physicochemical and structural attributes of a variety of rectal and vaginal semi-solid dosage forms, and to develop suitable in vitro performance test methods and method validation strategies for such drug products. This will facilitate the development of in vitro comparative characterization-based bioequivalence approaches for locally-acting rectal and vaginal semi-solid drug products, and help advance the regulatory review and approval processes for both innovator and generic drug products. This will ultimately increase the public access to high quality and affordable topical rectal and vaginal medication.
Navindra Seeram
Routine analysis of maple products (Nov. 7, 2022, Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Produce, $210,000)
The purpose of this grant is to conduct chemical compositional analyses of maple syrup samples to detect variation in factors including geographical location, plant species and grades.
Maple syrup as a functional, hero ingredient: Leveraging culinary nutrition, food science innovation, and chemistry insights to increase maple syrup consumption (Aug. 30, 2022, Agricultural Marketing Service/Department of Agriculture, $499,999)
Consumers are seeking “better-for-you” foods and the creation of recipes and products that capitalize on maple syrup’s health-promoting properties has immense market opportunity. This is a collaborative project between the University of Rhode Island and Johnson and Wales University to create and design guidelines for recipe and product development focusing on maple syrup’s health-promoting properties based on targeted food pairings for synergistic biological effects.
David Rowley
Microbial solutions to improving larval resilience in shellfish hatcheries (Sept. 9, 2022, National Institutes of Food and Agriculture/Department of Agriculture, $32,136)
Aquaculture systems experience infectious disease outbreaks that compromise production. There is growing evidence that the host microbiome is an important factor in production outcomes. We previously discovered and developed a safe and effective commercial formulation of probiotic bacteria to reduce the threat of vibriosis in shellfish larvae. In this project, we will work with aquaculture industry partners to develop additional microbial products to combat problematic pathogens.
Katharina Quinlan
TRPV4 links the blood-nerve barrier to motor neuron dysfunction (Nov. 7, 2022, Johns Hopkins University, $73,892)
Increased permeability of blood-neural barriers (BNBs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative disease, but the specific contributions of BNB impairments to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration have been difficult to pinpoint. This study will address autosomal dominant mutations of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), which causes subtypes of spinal muscular atrophy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. The Quinlan lab is characterizing the effect of this mutation on the activity of spinal motoneurons.
Hang Ma
Evaluations of the biological effects of Vertosa’s samples including pure compounds and their emulsion formulations on the skin pigmentation conditions (Nov. 21, 2022, URI Research Foundation, $8,470)
This study aims to evaluate the modulatory effects of Vertosa’s proprietary samples including cannabinoids (e.g. CBD) and their emulsions on the activity of tyrosinase (using enzymatic assays) and biosynthesis of melanin (in melanocytes).
Kerry LaPlante
COBRE Center For Antimicrobial Resistance and Therapeutic Discovery (Oct. 21, 2022, Miriam Hospital, $10,244)
The goal of the Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Therapeutic Discovery (CARTD) is to develop new therapies for infections caused by drug-resistant pathogens. The center is a unique, multidisciplinary center to study mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and develop therapeutic countermeasures. CARTD integrates their work with mentors and established investigators and develops core facilities to enhance research capabilities. Dr. LaPlante directs the antimicrobial pharmacology component mentoring early career investigators in pharmacology and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic components of this research program.
Utilization and comparative effectiveness of ceftazidime/avibactam in the national Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (Nov. 29, 2022, AbbVie, total award Amount: $129,476)
As new antibiotic therapies come to market, limited data exist about their use in real-world practice. And real-world evidence of effectiveness and safety of such treatments among varied clinical populations remains unknown. Therefore, the proposed aims of this research are to study the utilization and comparative effectiveness of ceftazidime/avibactam in the national VA Healthcare System. The expected outcomes of this study are a better understanding of the real-world utilization of ceftazidime/avibactam, and the real-world comparative effectiveness of ceftazidime/avibactam in multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Antiviral therapy in COVID-19 infections (Dec. 30, 2022, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Total Award Amount: $494,856)
This study evaluates the clinical impact of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in populations of adults with COVID-19, where two-thirds of the population is vaccinated and omicron subvariants are dominant strains. As new COVID-19 therapies become available, limited data exist about their clinical utilization and effectiveness. The aims of this study are to examine the utilization of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for treatment of COVID-19, evaluate the effectiveness of on clinical outcomes, including progression to severe COVID-19, hospitalization, death, and COVID-19 rebound, in the national Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System.
Stephen Kogut
Improving population health with professional continuous glucose monitoring (Aug. 5, 2022, Care Transformation Collaborative RI, $52,060)
The purpose of this project is to advance and assess the professional use of continuous glucose monitoring in primary care in Rhode Island, including developing a capacity for using data recorded by CGM devices to promote disease management goals.
Advance-CTR: Infrastucture for Clinical and Translational Research (Dec. 16, 2022, Brown University, $59,905.78)
Advance-CTR is a statewide hub of research resources and services for clinical and translational investigators funded by Institutional Development Award Networks for Clinical and Translational Research (IDeA-CTR) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences for the state of Rhode Island. Dr. Kogut directs Advance-CTR’s Tracking and Evaluation core.
Mary-Jane Kanaczet
Transforming health in RI: Medication technician program (Aug. 11, 2022, RI Dept of Labor & Training, $187,393)
The State Approved Medication Training Program in Drug Administration trains Certified Nursing Assistants in RI Department of Health-approved healthcare facilities to become medication technicians, responding to the urgent need for qualified staff certified to administer medications to residents in rehab facilities, short- and long-term healthcare facilities, and assisted living facilities. The program fills an important gap in the healthcare workforce while creating opportunities to move up the career ladder into higher wage roles.
DLT pitch proposal: Mental health first aid at Coastal Medical (Aug. 11 2022, RI Dept of Labor & Training, $40,501)
Mental Health First Aid is a high-impact program that is listed in SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence Based Programs and Practices. This training addressed the need for front-line healthcare workers and administrative staff at Coastal Medical to have the tools to recognize and appropriately support patients experiencing mental health concerns including how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health distress and how to support someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
Anita Jacobson
RI Department of Health Community First Responder Program (July 8, 2022, RI Dept of Health, $700,000)
The grant funds are for purchasing the opioid antagonist and overdose reversal agent naloxone for distribution via the Community First Responder Program to the general public and community non-profit partner organizations.
URI Community First Responder Program (TEVA Settlement) (Sept. 1, 2022, RI Department of Health, $1,050,000)
The grant funds are for supporting the operations, personnel, supplies and infrastructure of the Community First Responder Program to provide overdose education, continuing professional development, naloxone, and harm reduction resources throughout Rhode Island.
URI Community First Responder Program (TEVA Settlement) (Sept .15, 2022, RI Department of Health, $630,337)
The grant funds are for purchasing the opioid antagonist and overdose reversal agent naloxone for distribution via the Community First Responder Program to the general public and community non-profit partner organizations.
Nisanne Ghonem
Treatment with treprostinil to regulate hemodynamics during renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (Dec. 3, 2022, United Therapeutics Corporation, $175,523)
The goal of this project is to determine the regulatory role of prostacyclin therapy on renal hemodynamics, particularly renal blood pressure and renal blood flow, during renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in vivo.
Christine Eisenhower, Erica Estus & Anne Hume
Rhode Island Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (RI-GWEP) (July 1, 2022, Health Resources and Services Administration/DHHS, $750,000)
The main objective of this grant is to develop and implement interprofessional geriatrics education in primary care settings to improve health outcomes for older adults by integrating geriatrics into primary care delivery systems to provide coordinated, comprehensive, patient/family-centered health care. Additional goals include student training and patient education.
Bongsup Cho
Rhode Island IDeA Network for Excellence in Biomedical Research (July 18, 2022, NIH, $214,375)
RI-INBRE is a NIH-sponsored state-wide program grant and its major objective is to support and develop talented individuals, committed to research careers in Rhode Island, and to build the biomedical research capacity of Rhode Island higher education institutions. This administrative supplement purchased a helium recycling system for Brown University’s Structural Biology NMR facility, one of several RI-INBRE CRCF Extension Laboratories (CELs). There is a helium shortage that is threatening NMR systems worldwide. This system will allow recycling helium to reduce consumption, conserving this non-renewable resource.
Aisling Caffrey
Comparative effectiveness and complications of intravenous Ceftriaxone compared with oral Doxycycline in Lyme meningitis
(Sept. 15, 2022, Boston Children’s Hospital, $19,743)
(Dec. 20, 2022, Boston Children’s Hospital, $10,326)
Lyme meningitis is an uncommon but potentially serious clinical manifestation of Lyme disease. Intravenous ceftriaxone had been the first-line treatment for Lyme meningitis, but is associated with a high rate of complications, while efficacy and effectiveness (or real-world evidence) data for oral doxycycline are limited. Our goal is to compare oral doxycycline with intravenous ceftriaxone for the treatment of Lyme meningitis on short-term recovery and long-term quality of life.
Matthew Bertin
Shifting paradigms to emerging toxins in freshwater cyanobacterial blooms (Aug. 31, 2022, NIH/DHHS, $196,203)
The goal of this project is to connect microbial species to specialized metabolite and toxin production in cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms. We will also determine the effects of these toxins on the liver.
Jessica Alber
Longitudinal validation of retinal biomarkers against cerebral imaging in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (Sept. 14, 2022, NIH/DHHS, $2,566,363)
This study provides foundational work toward the validation of Alzheimer’s disease risk screening biomarkers in the human retina that can be applied at the population level to identify those who are at the earliest pathologic stages of AD, prior to the onset of clinical symptoms. This study will add reference standard cerebral imaging biomarkers to validate retinal biomarkers in preclinical AD. This study will also explore the added value of retinal biomarkers to cutting edge plasma biomarkers for the detection of preclinical AD.