Immunometabolic therapeutics for multiple sclerosis
Funded at Biotherapeutics, INC. · NIH-11308515 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, early-stage program tests a new oral drug designed to calm the immune system and protect nerve cells in people with multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Biotherapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $314,363 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AI197370-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11308515 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with multiple sclerosis who may benefit from novel anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with MS who respond very well to existing therapies or who have contraindications to trial participation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This SBIR project from Biotherapeutics, Inc. uses computer modeling and translational science to develop a first-in-class oral drug for MS. The focus is on a novel immunometabolic pathway that influences neurons and immune cells, with the goal of proving safety and potential benefit. The program aims to validate the target in MS and advance lead compounds that reduce immune cell activity, microglial activation, and neuron damage. This phase I/start-up effort seeks to establish whether this drug could become a safer, more effective MS treatment in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the drug could offer a new oral therapy that better controls MS inflammation and protects nerve cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that targeting immunometabolic pathways can modulate CNS inflammation in MS, but this exact oral compound is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Biotherapeutics, INC.
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leber, Andrew — Biotherapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Leber, Andrew
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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.