New method to deliver treatments for dementia with Lewy bodies
Official title: Novel Systemic Delivery of Peptide-Mediated Anti-Sense Oligonucleotides for Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11230055 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to deliver special treatments that can help reduce harmful proteins linked to dementia, using a friendly peptide to help get these treatments into the brain more easily, with the goal of making therapies safer and more effective for people with dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 15, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $445,835 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AG072053-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11230055 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies or related neurodegenerative disorders characterized by α-synuclein accumulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative disorders not associated with α-synuclein or those in advanced stages of dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to deliver anti-sense oligonucleotides, which are designed to target and reduce the expression of harmful proteins associated with dementia, specifically α-synuclein. The study utilizes a peptide called ApoB11 that facilitates the transport of these oligonucleotides across the blood-brain barrier, which is a significant challenge in treating neurological disorders. By administering these treatments systemically rather than through invasive methods, the research aims to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of therapies for patients with dementia and related conditions. The project will assess the pharmacokinetics and safety of this delivery method in animal models before considering human applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for dementia with Lewy bodies and potentially other neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using peptides for systemic delivery of oligonucleotides is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in other neurological conditions, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rissman, Robert — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Rissman, Robert
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how heparan sulfate affects alpha-synuclein in Lewy body dementia
A small study in people who have dementia with Lewy bodies looks at how a brain sugar (heparan sulfate) helps a harmful protein (alpha-synuclein) spread, with the hope of slowing disease progression.
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Alpha-synuclein seed test in blood or urine for Parkinson’s and Lewy body diseases
A new blood or urine test using seed amplification to help diagnose Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and related conditions earlier and more clearly.
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Dementia with Lewy Bodies Consortium
A national research effort to better understand and diagnose Lewy body dementia by studying biomarkers and patient data over time.
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Rat model of dementia with Lewy bodies may help us study memory and movement problems
A scientist team is creating and validating a rat model that mirrors Dementia with Lewy Bodies to better understand how it develops and to test potential treatments.
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Proof of Concept Study on Clinical Trial Outcomes and Biomarkers in Early Lewy Body Dementia
A small, early-stage study is testing whether new biomarkers and trial outcomes can better measure symptoms and treatment effects for people with Lewy body dementia.
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Amyloid-clearing therapy for dementia with Lewy bodies plus Alzheimer's disease
A study tests an amyloid-clearing antibody in people who have both Dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease to see if it can safely help with their symptoms.
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.