Can nilotinib reverse high‑fat diet–related brain changes in Alzheimer's and do males and females respond differently?
Official title: Sex-based differences of a high fat diet in Alzheimer's disease (AD): Can nilotinib reverse bioenergetic and neuropathological deficits?
Funded at Nova Southeastern University · NIH-11324282 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at whether the leukemia drug nilotinib can improve brain energy, memory, and Alzheimer’s brain changes caused by a high‑fat diet, and whether effects differ for males and females.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nova Southeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Lauderdale-Davie, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $154,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16NS134540-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11324282 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with Alzheimer’s disease—particularly those who also have obesity, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes—would be the most likely candidates for future related clinical trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without metabolic risk factors, those with non‑Alzheimer’s dementias, or people with very advanced disease are less likely to benefit from this line of work.
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective: researchers are using a well‑known Alzheimer’s mouse model to mimic how a high‑fat diet and metabolic problems affect the brain. Mice will be fed a high‑fat diet to produce metabolic stress, and some will receive nilotinib to see if it restores mitochondrial bioenergetics, reduces Alzheimer’s pathology, and preserves memory. The team will compare male and female animals to identify sex‑based differences in outcomes. Findings are intended to guide whether nilotinib or sex‑specific approaches merit testing in people with Alzheimer’s linked to obesity or diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could support repurposing nilotinib and developing sex‑aware treatments to protect brain energy, reduce Alzheimer’s pathology, and improve memory for patients with metabolic risk factors.
How similar studies have gone: Some early clinical trials and preclinical studies have suggested nilotinib may help neurodegenerative conditions, but clear, conclusive evidence in Alzheimer’s disease is still limited.
Where this research is happening
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Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale-Davie, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Albensi, Benedict C — Nova Southeastern University
- Study coordinator: Albensi, Benedict 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.