Gene therapy approach to treat Alzheimer's by delivering VGF to the brain
Official title: Therapeutic Strategy to Treat Alzheimer's Disease by VGF Delivery into Brain
Funded at North Dakota State University · NIH-11335606 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new gene-delivery approach aims to boost a brain protein called VGF to help with Alzheimer's symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Dakota State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fargo, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $657,502 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG083981-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11335606 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with Alzheimer’s disease or those at risk, who may benefit from future gene-therapy approaches.
✕Less likely to help
The approach is experimental and may not benefit individuals without Alzheimer’s or those unable to receive CNS-delivery therapies.
What this research studies
This project explores a non-invasive way to get a VGF gene into the brain using specially designed nanoparticles that can cross the blood–brain barrier. The plan includes intravenous and intranasal administration to reach brain cells and support neuron growth, memory, and energy balance. By packaging human VGF DNA into liposomal and omega-3–based nanoparticles, researchers hope to restore VGF levels and potentially slow disease progression. The work involves developing safe delivery vehicles and testing their ability to reach target brain regions in models relevant to Alzheimer’s disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this gene-delivery approach could become a new treatment that supports neuronal health and memory in people with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous gene-delivery strategies for CNS diseases show promise, but this specific VGF-targeted approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
North Dakota State University
Fargo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Jagdish — North Dakota State University
- Study coordinator: Singh, Jagdish
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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.