Creating new drugs to block an enzyme linked to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Development of neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10936519 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with Alzheimer's by creating a special treatment that blocks an enzyme linked to the disease, which could lead to better options for slowing down its progression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $683,930 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG084728-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936519 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage Alzheimer's or those under 65 years of age may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing inhibitors for neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2), an enzyme that plays a role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. By blocking this enzyme, the study aims to reduce the production of harmful substances that contribute to the disease's pathology. The research involves optimizing a prototype inhibitor and testing its effectiveness through various scientific methods. Patients may benefit from new treatment options that could slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsukamoto, Takashi — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Tsukamoto, Takashi
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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.