Investigating how MMP9 affects brain safety during Alzheimer’s immunotherapy
Official title: Establishing the role of MMP9 in amyloid-immunotherapy-induced ARIA
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10850128 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into the safety of new Alzheimer's treatments that target amyloid, focusing on how they might cause brain issues like swelling and small bleeding, to help make these therapies safer for people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $1,388,218 |
| NIH project number | 7RF1NS130834-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10850128 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Alzheimer’s disease who may be considered for anti-amyloid immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or those not eligible for anti-amyloid therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the safety concerns associated with anti-amyloid immunotherapies for Alzheimer's disease, such as aducanamab, donanemab, and lecanemab. It aims to understand how these treatments may lead to brain abnormalities known as ARIA, which can cause microhemorrhages and edema. By utilizing advanced imaging technologies and humanized mouse models, the study will investigate the role of the enzyme MMP9 in these adverse effects, potentially revealing critical insights into the mechanisms behind ARIA. The findings could help improve the safety profile of these promising therapies for Alzheimer's patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the safety of Alzheimer’s immunotherapies, making them more acceptable for widespread clinical use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated safety concerns with anti-amyloid therapies, but this specific investigation into MMP9's role is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilcock, Donna M — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Wilcock, Donna M
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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.