A new PET tracer to help diagnose and stage 4R tau-related brain diseases
Official title: Clinical Evaluation of a Novel [18F] Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Tracer for Differential Diagnosis and Staging of 4R Tauopathies
Funded at Enigma Biomedical USA, INC · NIH-11405809 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new PET tracer is being tested to help doctors distinguish and stage diseases caused by the 4R form of tau protein in the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Enigma Biomedical USA, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Knoxville, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $896,719 |
| NIH project number | 1R44AG102186-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11405809 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 and older with or suspected to have 4R tauopathies or related neurodegenerative conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without 4R tau pathology or without a suitable imaging profile may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to test a novel PET tracer in adults to improve differential diagnosis and staging of 4R tauopathies like PSP and CBD and related conditions. By using advanced imaging, researchers hope to map tau pathology more accurately and distinguish it from other neurodegenerative disorders. The study will involve imaging participants and analyzing tracer uptake in brain regions affected by 4R tau pathology. If successful, the tracer could guide treatment decisions and help monitor disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may receive more accurate diagnoses and better-informed care decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous tau imaging studies have shown promise in distinguishing tauopathies, but this specific tracer is being tested for 4R-dominant diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Enigma Biomedical USA, INC
Knoxville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kolb, Hartmuth C — Enigma Biomedical USA, INC
- Study coordinator: Kolb, Hartmuth C
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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.