Nasal delivery of stem cell‑derived vesicles for Alzheimer's

Intranasal Treatment of Stem Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles for Alzheimer's Disease

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR · NIH-11297528

A nasal treatment made from tiny particles from stem cells aims to help people with Alzheimer's disease improve memory and mood.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorTEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11297528 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers are developing a non‑invasive nasal therapy made from extracellular vesicles (tiny packets of proteins and microRNAs) produced by human stem cell–derived neural cells. In mouse models of Alzheimer's, these vesicles are delivered through the nose and reach many brain regions, where they can reduce inflammation, amyloid deposits, and oxidative stress while boosting new neuron growth. The project will test whether early treatment preserves cognition and mood and whether later treatment can reverse decline in more advanced stages. Results in mice will inform whether this approach can move toward human trials.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, including those in early stages and those with more advanced symptoms, would be the intended candidates for this approach in future trials.

Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's disease or whose cognitive decline is caused by other conditions are unlikely to benefit from this specific therapy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-surgical nasal therapy that improves memory, mood, and overall brain health for people with Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Early animal studies, including work in 5XFAD mice, have shown cognitive and mood improvements and reductions in amyloid after nasal delivery of human stem cell–derived EVs, but human testing remains novel.

Where this research is happening

COLLEGE STATION, 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: Acquired brain injury, Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease

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.