Novel small molecule boosters of brain connections to help 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-11407657 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small-molecule drug candidate called NQ-013 is being developed to boost synaptic communication and improve memory in models of Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Encue INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Evanston, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,449,877 |
| NIH project number | 2R44AG087761-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11407657 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias who could benefit from therapies aimed at restoring synaptic health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced dementia or unrelated neurodegenerative conditions may be less likely to benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project aims to advance a promising compound, NQ-013, which acts like a growth signal to strengthen brain connections that rely on activity-driven signals. By boosting synaptic plasticity, the work seeks to counteract memory problems seen in Alzheimer’s disease models. The team plans to translate Phase I findings into further development, exploring how IGFBP2-like effects can restore neuronal communication and potentially slow cognitive decline. The focus is on early intervention in the disease process, targeting the synaptic dysfunction that underlies learning and memory deficits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new therapeutic approach that preserves or improves memory and cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests that targeting synaptic plasticity can mitigate cognitive deficits in AD models, supporting the potential of this strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Encue INC.
Evanston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loffler, Alicia Isabel — Encue INC.
- Study coordinator: Loffler, Alicia Isabel
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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.