A new drug to treat vascular dementia
Official title: A Novel-designed sulfonylurea compound for Vascular Dementia Therapy
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-10726896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new medication that could help reduce inflammation in the brain for people with vascular dementia, with the hope of slowing down the disease and improving thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $439,900 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS133895-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10726896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with vascular dementia or related cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia, such as frontotemporal dementia or those without any cognitive impairment, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel sulfonylurea compound aimed at reducing inflammation associated with vascular dementia. By targeting a specific protein involved in inflammation, the study seeks to slow the progression of the disease and enhance cognitive functions. The approach involves testing the new compound in mouse models to understand its effects on inflammation and cognitive health. If successful, this could lead to a new treatment option for patients suffering from vascular dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new effective treatment option that improves cognitive function in patients with vascular dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting inflammation for treating neurodegenerative disorders, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hao, Jiukuan — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Hao, Jiukuan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A new drug-like peptide (PNA5) is being studied to reduce brain inflammation and improve blood flow in people at risk for vascular dementia and Alzheimer's-related dementia.
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Artery cell channels and stroke-related dementia in older men and women
This work looks at whether blocking an artery-cell channel called Panx1 can help older men and women have less brain damage and dementia after an ischemic stroke.
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How blood vessel problems contribute to dementia
Researchers are looking at how blood vessel problems in the heart and brain may lead to dementia in people with or at risk for Alzheimer’s.
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Scale-up of a peptide therapy to help brain blood flow and inflammation in people at risk for Alzheimer’s-related dementias
A small US-based project will scale up manufacturing of a new peptide medicine (PNA5) intended to help people at risk for Alzheimer’s-related dementia and vascular dementia by improving brain blood flow and reducing inflammation.
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.