Alzheimer’s disease drug discovery using a human brain organoid model of inflammation
Official title: Alzheimer's Disease Drug Discovery Using a Human Organoid Model of Neuroinflammation
Funded at Stem Pharm, INC. · NIH-11316026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A team is developing small molecule therapies to calm brain inflammation and protect nerve cells in people with Alzheimer’s disease by using a tiny, lab-grown human brain organoid.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stem Pharm, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $971,368 |
| NIH project number | 2R44AG082625-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11316026 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults 65 and older with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease who could benefit from later-stage trials of new anti-inflammatory brain therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Very early-stage findings or therapies that do not cross the brain barrier may not benefit current patients.
What this research studies
This project uses a human-derived 3D organoid model to study how microglia contribute to neuroinflammation and lipid changes that drive Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers will identify and test small molecules that could lessen inflammation, correct lipid dysregulation, and slow neurodegeneration. The goal is to move promising compounds toward therapies that could benefit patients, especially older adults affected by AD. The work builds on existing knowledge about ATN biomarkers and microglia-related risk genes to target disease mechanisms more precisely.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could yield new drug candidates that slow cognitive decline in AD by reducing brain inflammation and neuronal loss.
How similar studies have gone: Prior efforts targeting microglia and inflammation in AD have shown mixed results, making this approach novel and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Stem Pharm, INC.
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yuan, Nina Yina — Stem Pharm, INC.
- Study coordinator: Yuan, Nina Yina
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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.