Creating better PET scans to detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Development of sensitive PET tracers of pan-Amyloid-beta species for Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10994170 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new imaging tools to help spot early signs of Alzheimer's disease by detecting specific proteins in the brain, which could lead to earlier treatment before major symptoms show up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $744,059 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085562-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994170 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with a family history or genetic predisposition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new PET tracers that can more effectively detect amyloid beta species, which are early biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to create sensitive imaging tools that can identify these biomarkers before significant neurological symptoms appear, potentially allowing for earlier intervention. The study will explore the differences between soluble and insoluble amyloid beta species, aiming to improve the detection of neurotoxic soluble forms that are linked to the pre-symptomatic stages of Alzheimer's. By enhancing the sensitivity of PET imaging, this research could help bridge the gap in early diagnosis and treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and intervention for Alzheimer's disease, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing sensitive imaging techniques for Alzheimer's, but this approach aims to enhance detection capabilities significantly.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ran, Chongzhao — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ran, Chongzhao
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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.