Developing new drugs to improve brain function in Alzheimer's disease

Development of Nav1.1 Enhancers to Treat Alzheimer's Disease

NIH-funded research Cure Network Dolby Acceleration Partners LLC · NIH-10701877

This study is testing a new type of medication that could help improve memory and brain function in people with early Alzheimer's by boosting a specific channel in the brain, which may reduce harmful proteins and inflammation.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCure Network Dolby Acceleration Partners LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10701877 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a new class of drugs aimed at reversing early cognitive and physiological changes associated with Alzheimer's disease. The approach involves enhancing the activity of a specific sodium channel, Nav1.1, which has been shown to restore normal brain rhythms that are disrupted in Alzheimer's patients. By using small molecules to increase Nav1.1 activity, the research aims to reduce harmful protein accumulation and inflammation in the brain, potentially improving cognitive function. The research is based on promising results from animal models that suggest this method could effectively combat early Alzheimer's symptoms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease who are experiencing cognitive decline.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve cognitive function and quality of life for individuals with early Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in enhancing brain rhythms to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's models, indicating that this approach may be viable.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
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.