Developing new imaging probes for Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Molecular Chemiluminescence Probes for Imaging of Amyloid beta in Animal Models
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11097266 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new tool to help doctors see amyloid beta in the brains of animals with Alzheimer's disease more clearly, which could lead to better treatments for people with the condition.
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 | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $808,786 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG083759-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097266 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or those at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without amyloid beta pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating advanced chemiluminescence probes that can enhance the imaging of amyloid beta in animal models of Alzheimer's disease. By utilizing a novel probe called ADLumin-1, the research aims to improve the sensitivity and effectiveness of imaging techniques, which are crucial for preclinical drug discovery. The approach involves high-throughput imaging methods that have been successful in cancer research but are currently lacking in Alzheimer's research. This could lead to better understanding and development of therapies for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly accelerate the discovery of new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with similar imaging techniques in cancer, but this approach for Alzheimer's is relatively novel.
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.