New treatments for Alzheimer's and related dementias
Nonlipogenic ABCA1 inducers for ADRD
This research looks for new medications to help people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, especially those with risk factors like type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124243 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are a major health challenge, often connected to other conditions like type 2 diabetes. Both share common issues such as inflammation, insulin problems, and how the body manages cholesterol. This project focuses on a protein called ABCA1, which is crucial for brain health and often underperforming in individuals with the APOE4 gene, a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's. We are working to discover new compounds that can increase ABCA1 activity to improve brain function and metabolism. The goal is to develop a treatment that addresses multiple factors contributing to these complex diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future studies might include individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, especially those who also have type 2 diabetes or carry the APOE4 genetic risk factor.
Not a fit: Patients whose dementia is not linked to metabolic issues or ABCA1 function may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new medications that improve brain health and reduce the risk or progression of Alzheimer's and related dementias, particularly for those with metabolic risk factors.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds on promising early results from the team's drug discovery efforts, showing that new compounds can improve relevant biomarkers without unwanted side effects.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thatcher, Gregory R. J — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Thatcher, Gregory R. J
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.