GPR39-based treatment approach for aging-related brain vascular dementia
Official title: GPR39 as a Therapeutic Target in Aging-Related Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11463452 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new drug-style compound that activates GPR39 in the brain is being studied to help people with vascular dementia linked to aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $778,200 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG079890-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11463452 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with aging-related vascular cognitive impairment or early-stage VCID who could participate in future clinical development.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without VCID or those with advanced dementia not driven by vascular factors may derive little to no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to test a CNS-penetrant GPR39 activator to potentially prevent or slow cognitive decline in people with VCID, a common form of dementia linked to blood vessel problems. The team will use animal models and human-derived data to understand how activating GPR39 affects brain blood vessels and cognition. The study involves preclinical experiments designed to translate into future human studies, with emphasis on safety, brain delivery, and cognitive outcomes. If successful, it could lead to a new treatment option for a dementia type that currently has no specific therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could slow or prevent cognitive decline in VCID and related dementias, improving daily function and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work links endothelial enzymes and vascular signaling to cognition, and this program builds on that by targeting GPR39; results in pilot models will guide future trials.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alkayed, Nabil J — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Alkayed, Nabil J
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Health, Aging and Dementia in South Africa: A Longitudinal Study
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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.