Creating a new treatment to boost brain health in Alzheimer's patients
Developing a NAMPT activator for Alzheimer’s disease
This study is looking at a new medicine that could help boost brain health by increasing a substance called NAD+ that tends to drop as we get older, which might help improve thinking and memory for people with late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10929451 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a small molecule that activates an enzyme called NAMPT, which is crucial for maintaining healthy levels of NAD+ in the brain. As people age, NAD+ levels decline, contributing to cognitive decline associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). By enhancing NAMPT activity, the study aims to increase NAD+ levels in neurons, potentially reversing some aspects of brain aging and improving cognitive function. The research will progress through early drug development stages, ultimately aiming for clinical trials in patients with LOAD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with late-onset Alzheimer's disease or those experiencing mild cognitive impairment.
Not a fit: Patients with early-onset Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia unrelated to aging may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment that slows or even reverses cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of enhancing NAD+ levels is promising, it is still in early development stages, and similar strategies have shown potential but require further validation.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Beibei — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Chen, Beibei
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 below.