Remyelination drug-screening platform for MS lesions
Official title: In vitro myelination assay modeling the environment of MS lesions for predictive discovery of remyelinating therapies
Funded at Artificial Axon Labs INC. · NIH-11409835 · Data updated 2026-11-12
AAL is creating a biomimetic, 3D-inspired system to rapidly test potential remyelinating drugs for multiple sclerosis in conditions that mimic actual MS lesions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Artificial Axon Labs INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Topsfield, United States) |
| Project start | August 6, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,478,216 |
| NIH project number | 2R44NS135867-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11409835 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating conditions who may benefit from future remyelinating therapies discovered using this platform.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not yet diagnosed with demyelinating diseases or those who would not participate in future related trials may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops Artificial Axons, a novel in vitro platform that models MS-like environments to screen compounds that could promote remyelination. It focuses on creating realistic 3D, axon-like structures and biologically relevant lesion conditions to improve predictive power for drug discovery. The approach aims to shorten the path from discovery to therapies that help the brain repair myelin in people with MS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this platform could accelerate the identification of remyelinating drugs, potentially slowing or reversing neurological damage in MS patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous 2D/3D myelination models have shown limited translation to humans, making this biomimetic approach both promising and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Artificial Axon Labs INC.
Topsfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jagielska, Anna — Artificial Axon Labs INC.
- Study coordinator: Jagielska, Anna
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.