A new treatment approach for Multiple Sclerosis using synthetic biology.
Official title: A Novel Immunological-Directed Synthetic Biology-Based Drug for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Funded at Rise Therapeutics, LLC · NIH-11049506 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for Multiple Sclerosis that uses the body's natural gut bacteria to help balance the immune system, with the hope of improving health and quality of life for people living with MS.
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, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $956,049 |
| NIH project number | 4R44AI174844-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049506 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis who are experiencing symptoms related to the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurological disorders or those who do not have a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a novel therapeutic that utilizes synthetic biology and immunological principles to treat Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The approach focuses on leveraging the body's natural microbiome to restore immune balance, which is crucial for managing MS symptoms and preventing complications. By targeting the gut-brain axis, the therapy seeks to enhance the production of regulatory T cells and anti-inflammatory cytokines, potentially improving the overall health and quality of life for patients with MS. The treatment will be administered orally, aiming for localized effects in the gut to influence systemic immune responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a groundbreaking treatment option that significantly improves the management of Multiple Sclerosis and enhances patients' quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in using microbiome-based therapies for autoimmune diseases, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.