NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

RNA-based therapy for a rare brain disorder

Official title: Developing RNA therapeutics for rare neurodevelopmental disorders

Funded at Dayi Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11251787 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A patient-facing plan to develop targeted RNA medicines that could help people with a rare brain disorder caused by a single gene mutation.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDayi Therapeutics, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, UNITED STATES)
Project startMay 1, 2023
Project endDecember 31, 2026
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$845,187
NIH project number5R42HD111138-03
Project IDNIH-11251787 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients with a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a specific single-gene mutation, and who may be eligible for early-phase RNA therapy trials.

Less likely to help

Patients with disorders not caused by the targeted single-gene mutation or those who are not candidates for RNA-based therapy may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project aims to create a precision RNA therapy using antisense oligonucleotides to restore the function of a faulty gene in a severe neurodevelopmental condition. The work will be driven by a platform that identifies natural gene-regulating regions to guide treatment. If successful, this approach could modify the disease by correcting gene expression and protein function in the brain. The research is conducted by DAYI Therapeutics, a spin-out from Columbia University, in collaboration with clinicians and researchers. The ultimate goal is to move a first therapy toward testing in people affected by this condition.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the therapy could improve brain function and daily living for patients with this devastating developmental disorder.

How similar studies have gone: Previous similar RNA-based approaches have shown promise in early-stage development for other genetic diseases, but this exact therapy is novel for this syndrome.

Where this research is happening

  • Dayi Therapeutics, INC.
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Lotti, Francesco — Dayi Therapeutics, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Lotti, Francesco

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.