Dopamine-and-sigma receptor drug for Alzheimer's
Official title: Dopamine and Sigma Receptor Mixed Modulators for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Southern Illinois Univ at Edwardsville · NIH-11326705 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are trying a new small-molecule drug that acts on dopamine and sigma brain receptors to help memory, thinking, and behavior in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southern Illinois Univ at Edwardsville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Edwardsville, United States) |
| Project start | June 4, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $144,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16NS140308-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11326705 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease—particularly older adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment—would be the likely candidates for future clinical trials based on this work.
✕Less likely to help
People without Alzheimer's, and those with very advanced dementia, would not be expected to benefit directly from this early animal research.
What this research studies
This work tests a novel small molecule called AM73 that binds both sigma (σ1/σ2) and dopamine (D2/D3) receptors as a possible way to treat cognitive decline linked to Alzheimer's disease. The team will give AM73 chronically to male and female mice in an established model of Alzheimer's to look at effects on learning, memory, and movement across different doses. Key brain regions involved in Alzheimer's will be examined for changes in mRNA and protein tied to disease markers and drug response. This is a preclinical, proof-of-concept lab study intended to guide future steps toward human testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to a new kind of medication that slows memory loss or improves thinking and behavior in people with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous preclinical studies targeting sigma or dopamine receptors have shown promise, but combining both targets in one small molecule is a novel approach that has not yet been tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Southern Illinois Univ at Edwardsville
Edwardsville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Witt, Ken a — Southern Illinois Univ at Edwardsville
- Study coordinator: Witt, Ken a
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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.