NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

PNA5 for VCID and Alzheimer's Dementias: A first-in-human safety study

Official title: PNA5 For Treatment of Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID) and Alzheimer's disease related dementias (ADRD): A Phase 1a Safety and Tolerability Study

Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11442935 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A first-in-human trial tests a new drug, PNA5, to see if it is safe and tolerable for adults with vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's-related dementias.

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Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Arizona
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tucson, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2026
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$6,348,351
NIH project number1UG3AG104642-01
Project IDNIH-11442935 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults 21+ with VCID or ADRD who meet the study’s specific inclusion criteria.

Less likely to help

Some participants may not experience direct benefit and could experience typical trial-related risks or no change in symptoms.

What this research studies

This trial tests a new treatment called PNA5 in adults 21 and older who have VCID or Alzheimer’s-related dementias. It focuses on safety and tolerability in the initial phase, after completing animals and lab work and obtaining IND clearance. Participants would receive PNA5 or a placebo in a controlled setting to monitor safety signals, dosing, and preliminary effects on brain function. If safety looks good, findings will guide future studies to determine effectiveness and optimal dosing.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If safe and tolerable, PNA5 could lead to new approaches that reduce brain inflammation and improve blood flow, potentially slowing cognitive decline.

How similar studies have gone: Previous preclinical work showed PNA5 improved brain perfusion and reduced inflammation; human data are being gathered in this first-in-human trial.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Arizona
    Tucson, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Hay, Meredith — University of Arizona
  • Study coordinator: Hay, Meredith

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.