R‑etodolac to protect brain blood vessels in Alzheimer’s
Repurposing of R-etodolac for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY · NIH-10985019
This work looks at whether R‑etodolac, a safer form of an arthritis drug, can help remove harmful amyloid from brain blood vessels and protect the brain in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10985019 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective, the team is repurposing R‑etodolac, the R‑enantiomer of the NSAID etodolac, because it may avoid the COX2-related side effects of the racemic drug. Their lab and animal work showed etodolac can restore blood–brain barrier function and reduce amyloid (Aβ) toxicity, and they plan experiments to see if R‑etodolac strengthens tight and adherens junction proteins and upregulates β‑catenin to reduce vascular Aβ. The project includes preclinical testing and development steps aimed at moving toward clinical use while monitoring for safety advantages of the R‑enantiomer. If clinical steps proceed, patients with Alzheimer’s or cerebral amyloid angiopathy might be asked to provide samples or consider early-phase participation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or cerebral amyloid angiopathy, particularly in early or moderate stages when vascular amyloid is present.
Not a fit: People without amyloid-related vascular disease, those with non-amyloid dementias, or patients with contraindications to NSAID-derived treatments may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could slow or reduce vascular amyloid buildup and help preserve brain function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have performed: Some laboratory and animal studies of etodolac and other NSAIDs showed protective effects on the blood–brain barrier and amyloid, but clinical trials of NSAIDs for Alzheimer’s have mostly failed, so using the R‑enantiomer is a novel and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES
- AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY — AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KHALIL KADDOUMI, AMAL F — AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KHALIL KADDOUMI, AMAL F
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 below.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome