PhytoSERM: A brain-friendly estrogen approach to protect cognition in menopausal women
Official title: PhytoSERM Efficacy to Prevent Menopause Associated Decline in Brain Metabolism and Cognition: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2 Clinical Trial
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11300208 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Phase 2 trial tests a plant-based estrogen modulator to help peri- and postmenopausal women maintain brain metabolism and thinking skills without increasing risk to breast tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,353,297 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG075122-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11300208 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women in the peri- or postmenopausal stage who are experiencing menopausal symptoms and are at risk for cognitive changes.
✕Less likely to help
Menopausal women without cognitive symptoms or those not at risk for Alzheimer’s-related changes may not benefit.
What this research studies
This study tests PhytoSERM, a brain-focused estrogen receptor beta modulator, in symptomatic peri- and postmenopausal women. It uses a double‑blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design to see if the drug can preserve brain metabolism and cognitive function during the menopausal transition. Participants will receive PhytoSERM or a placebo over a defined period, with safety and pharmacokinetics closely monitored. The goal is to identify whether this brain-targeted approach can reduce the risk signals associated with Alzheimer’s disease in this at-risk population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, PhytoSERM could help protect cognitive health during menopause by supporting brain estrogen action without breast tissue risks.
How similar studies have gone: Prior early-phase work suggested PhytoSERM is safe and tolerable with potential efficacy signals in the target population.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brinton, Roberta Eileen — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Brinton, Roberta Eileen
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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.