A new treatment for an overactive stress response system

Novel therapeutic for HPA hyperactivity

NIH-funded research Stress Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11105954

This project is developing a new type of medicine to help balance the body's stress response system, which can become overactive in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and alcohol use disorder.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStress Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Diego, United States)
Project IDNIH-11105954 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our bodies have a natural stress response system, called the HPA axis, which helps us cope with challenges. Sometimes, this system can become overactive, leading to higher levels of stress hormones and contributing to various health issues. Current medications to manage this overactivity are not always ideal, and past attempts to develop new treatments have faced challenges. This project aims to create a completely new biologic medicine designed to gently bring the HPA axis back into balance. We are working to refine this new medicine and prepare it for future testing.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is currently in the early development stages and is not yet recruiting patients, but it is ultimately intended for individuals experiencing an overactive HPA axis, such as those with Alzheimer's disease dementia or alcohol use disorder.

Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not linked to an overactive HPA axis or who do not have Alzheimer's disease dementia or alcohol use disorder may not directly benefit from this specific therapeutic approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this new medicine could offer a more effective way to manage the overactive stress response seen in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and alcohol use disorder, potentially improving patient well-being.

How similar studies have performed: Previous attempts to modulate the HPA axis have shown some promise but also significant limitations, indicating a need for novel approaches like the one being developed here.

Where this research is happening

San Diego, 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 Alzheimer disease dementia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.