Creating a new imaging tool to see brain inflammation
Official title: Development of PET Tracer for Imaging Brain Inflammation
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10986139 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging tool that helps doctors see inflammation in the brain related to diseases like Alzheimer's, ALS, and Parkinson's, making it easier to understand and track these conditions over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $698,332 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082363-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986139 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not characterized by oxidative imbalance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new PET imaging tracer that can help visualize brain inflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, ALS, and Parkinson's. By using a specially designed probe that reacts to oxidative stress in neurons, the study aims to provide a non-invasive method to assess the biochemical changes in the brain over time. This approach could lead to better understanding and monitoring of diseases that currently lack effective imaging techniques.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools for early detection and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using molecular imaging techniques for similar purposes, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharma, Vijay — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Sharma, Vijay
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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.