A brain-penetrating form of erythropoietin aimed at treating Alzheimer’s disease
Official title: Efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of brain penetrable erythropoietin in Alzheimer’s disease mouse models
Funded at Chapman University · NIH-11300964 · Data updated 2026-11-12
They are developing a modified erythropoietin that can enter the brain to protect nerve cells and help people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Chapman University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orange, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $342,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085724-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11300964 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with Alzheimer's disease, especially those in early or mild stages who might be eligible for future clinical trials, would be the eventual candidates for this approach.
✕Less likely to help
People without Alzheimer’s or those with very advanced, widespread brain damage are unlikely to benefit from this approach as tested in these early lab studies.
What this research studies
Researchers have attached erythropoietin (EPO) to an antibody that uses the transferrin receptor to cross the blood-brain barrier so more drug reaches the brain. In laboratory work with Alzheimer’s mouse models, the team gives this TfR‑antibody‑EPO fusion and measures effects on neuron survival, amyloid and tau pathology, and memory-related behaviors. They compare the fusion to regular EPO to check whether it reduces blood-related side effects while providing stronger brain benefits. The findings will be used to understand how the drug works and whether it is safe enough to consider future human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a treatment that protects brain cells and slows or reverses cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's while minimizing blood-related side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Related brain-delivery approaches and EPO treatments have shown promise in animal models but have not yet been proven safe and effective in people.
Where this research is happening
-
Chapman University
Orange, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sumbria, Rachita — Chapman University
- Study coordinator: Sumbria, Rachita
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.