NIH-funded research Sbir 1 grant

New treatments to improve memory in Alzheimer's disease

Official title: Development of Novel Small molecule modulators of synaptic plasticity for the treatment of AD-induced cognitive decline

Funded at Encue INC. · NIH-11007127 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new medication called JB2 to see if it can help improve memory and learning by boosting brain health in people with early Alzheimer's disease.

More Cognitive Decline research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 1 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEncue INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Evanston, United States)
Project startSeptember 25, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$499,998
NIH project number1R43AG087761-01A1
Project IDNIH-11007127 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease who are experiencing cognitive decline.

Less likely to help

Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those with other forms of dementia may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new small molecule, JB2, that aims to enhance synaptic plasticity, which is crucial for learning and memory. By targeting the insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R), JB2 seeks to restore synaptic health in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The approach involves understanding how JB2 can activate specific receptors in the brain to improve cognitive function and potentially slow down the progression of AD. Patients may be monitored for changes in memory and cognitive abilities as part of the research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve memory and cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing synaptic plasticity as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease, suggesting potential for success with this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Encue INC.
    Evanston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Loffler, Alicia — Encue INC.
  • Study coordinator: Loffler, Alicia

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.