New treatment for inflammation linked to epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Development of a novel anti-neuroinflammatory experimental therapeutic for epilepsy and Alzheimer's risk
Funded at Immunochem Therapeutics, LLC · NIH-10997370 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment to help reduce inflammation in the brain that can worsen conditions like epilepsy and Alzheimer's, and it's designed for older patients who may be experiencing cognitive decline or seizures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Immunochem Therapeutics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newton, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,209,751 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AG071062-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997370 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include elderly individuals with a diagnosis of epilepsy or those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or do not have a history of epilepsy or Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new therapeutic approach to reduce neuroinflammation, which is a common issue in both epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to target the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines that contribute to cognitive decline and neurological damage in elderly patients. By utilizing a novel small molecule candidate, MW189, the research seeks to improve patient outcomes by addressing the underlying mechanisms that link these two conditions. Patients may be monitored for changes in cognitive function and seizure activity as part of the therapeutic evaluation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment that alleviates symptoms and slows the progression of both epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting neuroinflammation for similar conditions, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Immunochem Therapeutics, LLC
Newton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shifrin, Victor — Immunochem Therapeutics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Shifrin, Victor
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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-
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New MRI tools to better plan pediatric epilepsy surgery
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-
Sahel Epilepsy Study: finding patterns in epilepsy in rural Africa and its links to genes
A plan to study epilepsy in rural Nigeria to discover how common it is, what factors affect risk, and how genetics may influence it, with results that could improve care for people with epilepsy.
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.