Next-generation gamma-secretase modulators for Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Identification of next generation gamma-secretase modulators for Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Reelin Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11418428 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A company is developing new drugs that may reduce an Alzheimer-related protein in older adults who are at risk for or living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Reelin Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $241,313 |
| NIH project number | 5R41AG094356-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418428 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults 65 and older who are at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related cognitive impairment and who could participate in early-stage drug testing and related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not benefit if the compounds do not work or cause adverse effects in humans.
What this research studies
If this project succeeds, researchers will design and test new compounds that gently modulate gamma-secretase to lower Aβ42, aiming to prevent or slow Alzheimer's in older adults. They will combine computer-guided design with chemistry and laboratory testing to identify promising lead compounds, followed by tests in cells and animal models to evaluate safety and effects on related pathways. The goal is to find treatments that reduce disease-causing proteins without disrupting essential cellular functions. This work could pave the way for future human studies in people at risk for or living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new medicines that lower a key Alzheimer’s protein and potentially slow or prevent disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous approaches to modulating gamma-secretase have shown potential, but ongoing work seeks safer and more effective modulators.
Where this research is happening
-
Reelin Therapeutics, INC.
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kounnas, Maria Z — Reelin Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Kounnas, Maria Z
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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.