New brain-active small molecules aimed at Alzheimer’s-related protein targets
Synthesis of Neurologically Active Small Molecules
['FUNDING_R01'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11093468
Researchers are making and testing new small molecules designed to block a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease to help people with memory loss.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | YALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11093468 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project makes complex chemical versions of natural compounds (limonoids) to target a brain protein called PTP1B that has been linked to neuron damage in Alzheimer’s disease. Chemists are developing faster, more efficient lab methods using common metals to build these new molecules. Medicinal chemistry tweaks will create many related compounds so scientists can learn which features best block PTP1B. Promising molecules will be tested in lab assays to see whether they affect the protein and protect nerve cells, guiding future work toward animal studies and, eventually, clinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment, or those interested in contributing to Alzheimer’s drug development (for example by providing samples or joining future clinical studies), would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate symptom relief or ready-to-use treatments would not benefit directly from this lab-focused research right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could yield new drug candidates that slow or prevent neuron damage in Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies suggest blocking PTP1B can protect neurons in models, but turning newly synthesized molecules into safe, effective human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES
- YALE UNIVERSITY — NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NEWHOUSE, TIMOTHY — YALE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: NEWHOUSE, TIMOTHY
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 below.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's disease model