Neuroprotective peptide to help people with Alzheimer’s disease
Official title: Restoring AD-related neuronal dysfunction with a neuroprotective peptide
Funded at Neurexis Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11315795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-focused study tests whether a peptide that protects brain cells during injury can also help improve memory and thinking in people impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Neurexis Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2026 |
| Project end | September 16, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $484,929 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AG094353-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11315795 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia who meet the study’s safety and eligibility criteria.
✕Less likely to help
This trial may not benefit individuals without Alzheimer’s disease or those with advanced disease where brain tissue loss is extensive.
What this research studies
This project builds on animal and early human data to explore tatCN19o, a nerve-protecting peptide, as a potential Alzheimer’s treatment. Researchers will examine whether the peptide can restore healthy brain signaling and plasticity, which are often impaired in AD, especially in pathways linked to learning and memory. The study leverages prior findings showing the peptide can reverse certain brain changes after injury and aims to translate those benefits toward Alzheimer’s-related dysfunction. If successful, this work could pave the way for a new therapeutic approach that supports neurons and cognitive function in AD patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the peptide could help stabilize or improve memory and thinking in people with Alzheimer’s disease by protecting neurons and restoring brain signaling.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in animals and early data suggest potential for restoring brain signaling, but human data in AD is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Neurexis Therapeutics, INC.
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Asfaha, Olivia Ruth — Neurexis Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Asfaha, Olivia Ruth
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.