A New Biologic Medicine for Multiple Sclerosis
Official title: A Novel Immunological-Directed Synthetic Biology-Based Drug for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Funded at Rise Therapeutics, LLC · NIH-11142450 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to create a new type of medicine using the body's natural systems to help people with Multiple Sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rise Therapeutics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rockville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 24, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $827,713 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI174844-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142450 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients living with Multiple Sclerosis who experience an overactive immune response and related symptoms may be ideal candidates for future applications of this therapeutic.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Multiple Sclerosis or those whose condition is not primarily driven by the specific immune dysregulation targeted by this approach may not receive benefit.
What this research studies
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a serious condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves, leading to various symptoms and complications. This project is developing a novel medicine that uses synthetic biology to guide the immune system. It focuses on the connection between the gut and the brain, aiming to use a special probiotic to help restore balance to the immune system. The goal is to control immune cells in the gut to reduce the harmful immune response seen in MS, potentially preventing further damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new medicine could offer a cutting-edge way to treat Multiple Sclerosis by rebalancing the immune system and potentially reducing disease severity and complications.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach is novel, previous work has shown that probiotics can improve MS severity by increasing anti-inflammatory cells, supporting the important role of the gut-brain axis.
Where this research is happening
-
Rise Therapeutics, LLC
Rockville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Furlan Freguia, Christian — Rise Therapeutics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Furlan Freguia, Christian
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Susceptibility-based MRI biomarkers for multiple sclerosis
A short-term study aims to test MRI biomarkers that could help diagnose and predict MS in patients, using advanced imaging techniques.
-
Mediterranean-style eating and aging in people with multiple sclerosis
This project looks at whether following a Mediterranean-style diet is linked to slower biological aging and less brain shrinkage in people living with multiple sclerosis.
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Imaging brain energy use in multiple sclerosis with a new imaging method
A new MRI-based method will non-invasively measure how the brain uses glucose and ketones in people with multiple sclerosis.
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Astrocyte exosomes as aging biomarkers and drivers of MS progression
Researchers are testing a blood-based biomarker from astrocyte-like exosomes to understand why multiple sclerosis gets worse with age and to identify potential targets for treatment.
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Promoting brain repair in MS with a natural compound that nudges neural stem cells
A researcher is testing a natural-product–based compound that may help people with multiple sclerosis repair nerve damage by guiding brain stem cells to become neurons and myelin-producing cells.
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Targeted B cell tolerance therapy for multiple sclerosis using Ace-DEX microparticles
A new therapy using tiny biopolymer particles given through the vein aims to retrain B cells to tolerate the immune system in people with multiple sclerosis.
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.