Investigating a new drug to prevent tau protein aggregation in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: First in Human Study of a Tau Self-Association Small Molecule Inhibitor in Healthy Volunteers
Funded at Oligomerix, INC · NIH-10992968 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new medication that might help slow down Alzheimer's disease by stopping a protein called tau from clumping together, and it starts by testing the safety of this drug with healthy volunteers before moving on to patients with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oligomerix, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (White Plains, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $336,857 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG076565-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992968 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those with other forms of dementia unrelated to tau aggregation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new small molecule drug aimed at modifying the progression of Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting tau protein aggregation. The approach involves screening and optimizing compounds that can prevent tau proteins from clumping together, which is a key factor in the development of Alzheimer's. Healthy volunteers will be involved in the initial phases to assess the safety and effectiveness of the lead compound before it is tested in patients. The study aims to provide a potential therapeutic option for the millions affected by Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking treatment that modifies the course of Alzheimer's disease, improving outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been various approaches to treating Alzheimer's, this specific method targeting tau self-association is novel and has not been extensively tested in human trials.
Where this research is happening
-
Oligomerix, INC
White Plains, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Erhardt, William a. — Oligomerix, INC
- Study coordinator: Erhardt, William a.
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.