Investigating a new imaging method for Alzheimer's disease using a COX-2 PET ligand

Characterization of an 18F COX-2 PET ligand for in vivo brain imaging

['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC · NIH-10349436

This study is working on a new imaging tool that can help see levels of a brain protein linked to inflammation in Alzheimer's disease, which could lead to better ways to track the disease and improve treatments for patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10349436 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new positron emission tomography (PET) ligand that can visualize COX-2 levels in the brain, which are linked to neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). By using a highly potent [18F]-labeled COX-2 inhibitor, the study aims to create a non-invasive imaging tool that can track COX-2 induction over time, helping to stage the disease and evaluate the effectiveness of COX-2 inhibition therapies. Patients may benefit from improved monitoring of their condition and better-targeted treatments as a result of this research.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia not related to Alzheimer's disease may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective monitoring and treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using PET imaging for neuroinflammation, but this specific approach with COX-2 ligands is novel.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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 →

Conditions: Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer disease, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's disease dementia

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.