Investigating a new treatment approach for Alzheimer's and related neurodegenerative diseases
Official title: Exploring the modulation of synaptic/extrasynaptic NMDAR balance as a novel therapeutic strategy in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerations
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-10849885 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to better balance certain brain receptors to help protect brain cells, with the goal of improving thinking and memory for people with Alzheimer's and similar conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $468,685 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG069266-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10849885 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative diseases characterized by excitotoxicity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not related to excitotoxicity or those in advanced stages of Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how to balance two types of NMDA receptors in the brain, which are crucial for neuronal health. It aims to find a way to enhance the protective functions of synaptic NMDA receptors while reducing the harmful effects of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors. By exploring this balance, the researchers hope to develop a novel therapeutic strategy that could improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. The approach involves testing new methods to selectively target these receptors without causing adverse effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve cognitive function and quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's disease and similar neurodegenerative disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting NMDA receptors for neuroprotection, but this specific approach of balancing synaptic and extrasynaptic receptors is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sanz-Clemente, Antonio — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Sanz-Clemente, Antonio
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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.