Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Emory University received a $494,109 Project Grant award from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) under the Aging Research program (CFDA 93.866), effective February 15, 2026, with completion targeted for January 31, 2031. The award funds a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating citicoline supplementation as a therapeutic intervention for residual sleepiness and inflammation in older adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The 4-week study will enroll 120 participants (60 per treatment arm) to evaluate whether citicoline, an oral choline supplement, when added to standard continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, produces measurable improvements in daytime sleepiness and inflammatory biomarkers compared to placebo.

The research builds on preliminary findings establishing correlations between lower plasma choline levels, elevated inflammation, and persistent sleepiness in OSA patients despite CPAP normalization of breathing. By testing citicoline's potential to inhibit inflammatory cytokines and improve antioxidant enzyme activity, this investigation addresses a significant clinical gap in symptom management for the estimated 20–40% of older adults with OSA who experience residual daytime sleepiness. The trial will be conducted at Emory University's Atlanta, Georgia location and represents the first exploration of choline supplementation as a non-pharmacological alternative to conventional wake-promoting medications in the OSA population.