Finding a way to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease using a new treatment approach.
Official title: Development of a RUNX1 modulator to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Third Element Bio INC. · NIH-11067457 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment that could help improve brain function and slow down memory loss in people with Alzheimer's by targeting a specific factor in the brain, and they're testing it in mice to see if it works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Third Element Bio INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $391,850 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AG087766-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067457 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without cognitive impairment related to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment that targets a specific factor called RUNX1, which is believed to contribute to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The researchers aim to create a type of medication that can lower RUNX1 levels in brain cells, potentially improving brain function and slowing down the progression of AD. They will test this treatment in mouse models to see if it can effectively enhance cognitive abilities and reduce symptoms associated with Alzheimer's. If successful, this approach could lead to safer and more effective therapies for patients suffering from AD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option that slows cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting RUNX1 is a novel approach, similar strategies targeting microglial function have shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Third Element Bio INC.
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Palmer, Carter Rodman — Third Element Bio INC.
- Study coordinator: Palmer, Carter Rodman
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How COVID-19 infection and genes may influence memory and dementia risk
This study looks at how getting COVID-19 and a person’s genes together affect the chance of developing memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
-
NGF Metabolism as a biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are studying whether patterns in nerve growth factor pathways in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical stages of Alzheimer's in people with genetic risk.
-
NGF metabolism as an early biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
This project tests whether NGF pathway proteins in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical changes in people with familial Alzheimer’s disease.
-
NGF Metabolic Dysfunction as a Marker of Cognitive Decline in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease
This project looks at nerve growth factor pathways in people with a genetic form of Alzheimer's to see if blood and spinal fluid markers can identify early brain changes before symptoms appear.
-
Remote monitoring of Alzheimer’s changes in adults with Down syndrome
A study tests remote (at-home) ways to track Alzheimer’s-related thinking changes in adults with Down syndrome.
-
Tumor Susceptibility Gene 101: a microglial therapy approach to protect memory in Alzheimer’s disease
A Mayo Clinic team is studying a protein called TSG101 in brain immune cells to slow or prevent cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.
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.