Next-generation tau prevention for inherited Alzheimer's
DIAN-TU: Tau Next Generation Prevention Trial
This program tests new tau-targeting treatments to try to prevent or slow Alzheimer’s in people with genetic mutations that cause early-onset Alzheimer’s.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10658851 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a global research network that enrolls people who are certain or likely to develop dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s because of a known genetic mutation. Participants are randomly assigned, while blinded, to receive one of several tau-focused approaches including an anti-tau antibody, a genetic (AAV-based) therapy, or a drug that blocks tau aggregation. The platform pools data across many sites so different tau treatments can be compared efficiently and safely. The trial includes regular clinic visits, cognitive testing, and biological measures to track whether treatments change brain markers and memory over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who carry a known dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s mutation (DIAD) and who meet the study’s health and eligibility criteria are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People without a known DIAD mutation or those with typical late-onset sporadic Alzheimer’s are unlikely to be eligible or to directly benefit from this specific trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these treatments could slow or prevent cognitive decline in people with genetic forms of Alzheimer’s by targeting tau pathology.
How similar studies have performed: Previous DIAN-TU work tested anti-amyloid drugs with mixed results, and tau-targeting prevention approaches are relatively new with limited definitive evidence of preventing cognitive decline.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bateman, Randall J — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Bateman, Randall 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.