DYRK1A-blocking drugs to protect thinking and memory in Down syndrome
Commercialization of Selective Dyrk1a Inhibitors for Down Syndrome
A new drug that blocks a protein called DYRK1A to help thinking and memory in people with Down syndrome who develop Alzheimer-like brain changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iluminos Therapeutics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194266 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing selective drugs that block DYRK1A, a protein linked to cognitive decline in Down syndrome. Researchers are testing candidate compounds in laboratory studies and mouse models that mimic the Alzheimer-like brain changes seen in people with Down syndrome. The team plans preclinical safety and optimization work needed to move the best compounds toward human testing. The long-term aim is to create a medication that could be tested in clinical trials for people with Down syndrome.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with Down syndrome, especially middle-aged or older people who are starting to notice memory or thinking problems, would be the main candidates.
Not a fit: People without Down syndrome or whose dementia comes from unrelated causes are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these drugs could slow or prevent age-related memory loss and Alzheimer-like brain changes in people with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: In mouse models, non-selective DYRK1A inhibitors have reversed memory problems and brain changes, but truly selective DYRK1A drugs for people are still mostly untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- Iluminos Therapeutics, LLC — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dunckley, Travis — Iluminos Therapeutics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Dunckley, Travis
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 below.