Repositioning existing drugs to target TREM2 in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Drugs repositioning to target TREM2 in Alzheimer disease
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11034126 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how some existing medications might be used in new ways to help a protein called TREM2 work better, which could be beneficial for people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $564,646 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081228-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034126 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with late-onset Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with genetic variants affecting TREM2.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-onset Alzheimer's disease or those without TREM2-related genetic variants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain existing drugs can be repurposed to target a protein called TREM2, which plays a crucial role in the immune response related to Alzheimer's disease. By identifying how these drugs interact with TREM2, the study aims to enhance TREM2's function, which is often impaired in Alzheimer's patients due to genetic variations. The research employs a combination of computational methods and laboratory experiments to screen and validate potential drug candidates that can effectively bind to TREM2 and improve its activity. This approach could lead to new treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease by utilizing drugs that are already approved for other uses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic options for Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in drug repositioning for other conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in Alzheimer's treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Yuhua — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Song, Yuhua
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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.