A new medicine for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)

Development of a novel, targeted small molecule inhibitor of the nucleoside salvage pathway through IND enabling studies and translational mouse models for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)

NIH-funded research Trethera Corporation · NIH-11129843

This project is developing a new medicine to help children and adults with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, a serious autoimmune disease affecting the brain and spinal cord.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTrethera Corporation NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Sherman Oaks, United States)
Project IDNIH-11129843 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an autoimmune condition that mostly affects children, causing symptoms like fever, balance problems, and even coma. Current treatments, like corticosteroids, can have significant side effects and don't always fully help patients recover. Our company is working on a new drug called TRE-515, which aims to specifically stop the overactive immune cells that cause ADEM. We hope this new approach will offer a more effective treatment with fewer side effects for those living with ADEM.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is focused on developing a treatment for patients, especially children, who have acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).

Not a fit: Patients without acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) would not directly benefit from this specific treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this new medicine could provide a more effective and safer treatment option for patients with ADEM, potentially reducing long-term disability and improving recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies in mouse models of ADEM have shown promising results, indicating the drug can block disease symptoms and reduce immune cell activity.

Where this research is happening

Sherman Oaks, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acute Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.