Finding better ways to identify and understand frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)

Pathology-guided biofluid biomarker strategies for classification and progression of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11195601

This research aims to discover new ways to classify and track frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) by studying markers in blood and spinal fluid.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11195601 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a group of brain diseases that currently have no cure or way to slow their progression, and it's often hard to tell the exact type of FTLD a person has. This makes it difficult to develop and test new treatments. Our team is looking at samples of spinal fluid and blood from people with FTLD, including those with specific genetic forms, to find unique markers. We hope to create new tools that can accurately identify different types of FTLD and predict how the disease might progress, which could greatly help future clinical trials and patient care.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals diagnosed with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), Alzheimer's disease, or those who are healthy controls.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to neurodegenerative diseases like FTLD or Alzheimer's would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more accurate diagnosis and better ways to monitor FTLD, paving the way for new treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Current biomarkers for FTLD are limited, making this a novel approach to develop much-needed tools for classification and prognosis.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.