Delivering enzymes to the brain to treat Gaucher disease

Systemic Enzyme Delivery by a Brain Targeted SapC-DOPS Nanocarrier for Treatment of Neuronopathic Gaucher Disease

NIH-funded research Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-10941209

This study is looking at a new way to send a helpful enzyme directly to the brain for people with neuronopathic Gaucher disease, hoping to ease their symptoms by reducing harmful substances that build up in the brain.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cincinnati, United States)
Project IDNIH-10941209 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new method to deliver enzymes directly to the brain for patients with neuronopathic Gaucher disease, a severe form of the condition that affects the central nervous system. The approach utilizes a specialized nanocarrier, SapC-DOPS, which can cross the blood-brain barrier and transport a stable enzyme, fGCase, effectively into brain tissues. By improving the delivery and stability of the enzyme, the research aims to reduce harmful glycolipid accumulation in the brain, potentially alleviating neurological symptoms associated with the disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neuronopathic Gaucher disease, particularly those experiencing neurological symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with non-neuronopathic forms of Gaucher disease or those who do not have a confirmed diagnosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with neuronopathic Gaucher disease by providing a more effective enzyme replacement therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using nanocarrier systems for drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Cincinnati, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.