Gene therapy for treating age-related brain diseases

Gene Therapy Delivery for Age-related Neurodegenerative Diseases

['FUNDING_R01'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11039966

This study is looking at a new way to help people with Alzheimer's by using a special kind of gene therapy that delivers helpful genes directly to brain cells, aiming to provide lasting benefits with just one treatment and without the need for invasive procedures.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11039966 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on using gene therapy to address age-related neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. It employs adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to deliver therapeutic genes directly to brain cells, aiming for both targeted and widespread treatment. The approach seeks to overcome challenges associated with traditional delivery methods, such as invasive procedures and immune responses, by exploring non-invasive techniques to enhance gene delivery to the brain. Patients may benefit from a long-lasting intervention from a single treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are experiencing symptoms of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those related to abnormal tau protein.

Not a fit: Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those under 21 years old may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option that significantly slows or halts the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research using AAV vectors for neurological disorders has shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

DALLAS, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.