Finding new treatments for Alzheimer's disease using drug screening methods
Official title: Translating in vivo drug screens to Alzheimer's patients with a pharmaco-epidemiological approach
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10906207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to find existing medications that can help treat Alzheimer's disease by tackling the harmful proteins and inflammation in the brain, and it's designed for anyone interested in new treatments for this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $169,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AG078953-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906207 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those experiencing symptoms of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage Alzheimer's or those without a formal diagnosis may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates why previous drug trials for Alzheimer's disease have not been successful, focusing on the dual challenges of protein toxicity and inflammatory responses in the brain. By using a novel high-throughput drug screening platform, the researchers aim to identify existing FDA-approved drugs that can effectively address both issues. The approach involves testing these drugs in a model organism and then in human-like brain cells to see how well they can reduce harmful inflammation and protect against protein damage. The goal is to find therapies that not only alleviate symptoms but also target the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease that address its root causes rather than just managing symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using drug repurposing strategies for other conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach for Alzheimer's.
Where this research is happening
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Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Litke, Rachel — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Litke, Rachel
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.