Developing new drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Official title: Prodrugs of potent and selective protease inhibitors as tauopathy therapeutics
Funded at Myriel, INC. · NIH-10932200 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new medications that can better reach the brain to help treat Alzheimer's disease and similar conditions by blocking a protein that harms memory, with the hope of improving memory and brain function for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Myriel, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Paul, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $349,992 |
| NIH project number | 5R41NS134497-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932200 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older who are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under 65 years of age or those without cognitive impairments related to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating new medications that can effectively penetrate the brain to treat tauopathies, particularly Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The approach involves modifying a lead compound to enhance its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, which is crucial for delivering therapeutic effects. By inhibiting a specific protein (Casp2) that negatively impacts cognitive function, the research aims to restore synaptic function and improve memory loss in affected individuals. The project is in its early phase, with plans for future studies to evaluate the effectiveness of these new drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that significantly improve cognitive function and quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing brain-penetrant compounds for treating neurological conditions, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Myriel, INC.
Saint Paul, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ashe, Karen H — Myriel, INC.
- Study coordinator: Ashe, Karen H
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.