Single domain antibodies to improve brain blood vessels in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Single domain antibody development for improving vascular dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease
Funded at Aivocode, LLP · NIH-11419885 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A project tests tiny antibody fragments that target CTGF to improve blood vessel function in the brains of people (via animal models first) with Alzheimer's-like disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Aivocode, LLP NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Encinitas, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 20, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,237,522 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AG097127-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11419885 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with or modeled for Alzheimer's disease who may benefit from vascular-targeted therapies or future trials of CTGF-neutralizing antibodies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Alzheimer's-related vascular dysfunction or those not pursuing targeted biologic therapies may see limited applicability.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop and test single domain antibodies against CTGF to neutralize its effects in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. By focusing on brain blood vessels and pericyte health, researchers hope to improve vascular function and potentially slow disease progression. The work builds on in vivo screening and collaboration between academic partners and AivoCode Inc. to identify a lead drug candidate for future development. If successful, this could pave the way for new therapies that protect brain vessels and support cognitive function in AD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with Alzheimer's disease could have a new therapeutic option that stabilizes brain blood vessels and may slow disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Prior approaches targeting vascular factors in AD have shown mixed but encouraging signals, making this a promising but not yet proven path.
Where this research is happening
-
Aivocode, LLP
Encinitas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hussain, Sazid — Aivocode, LLP
- Study coordinator: Hussain, Sazid
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.