New brain-penetrant drugs targeting soluble epoxide hydrolase for Alzheimer's
Development of soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Developing brain-penetrant drugs that block soluble epoxide hydrolase to help people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11266173 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will design and test new drug molecules that block soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), a protein linked to Alzheimer's, with the goal of improving how well the drugs get into the brain. Researchers will modify the chemical linker and other parts of the molecules to improve blood–brain barrier penetration using structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies. They will measure drug-like properties and brain exposure and then test the best compounds in Alzheimer's models to confirm target engagement in the brain. The aim is to identify candidates with high central nervous system exposure that could move toward future clinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: In the future, people aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer's disease could be candidates for clinical trials of these brain-penetrant sEH inhibitors.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's disease or those whose disease is too advanced for disease-modifying treatments may not benefit from these drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce drug candidates that reach the brain better and may slow or prevent Alzheimer’s-related damage.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies support sEH as a promising target, but existing clinical candidates have had limited brain exposure and no proven benefit in patients so far.
Where this research is happening
East Lansing, United States
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Kin Sing Stephen — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Kin Sing Stephen
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.