Synthetic protein mimetics as potential therapies for Lewy Body Dementia
Official title: Synthetic protein mimetics as potential therapeutics for Lewy Body Dementia
Funded at University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) · NIH-11402727 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses synthetic protein mimetics to interfere with harmful protein clumps in Lewy Body Dementia to slow or stop disease progression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denver, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $368,384 |
| NIH project number | 5R61NS137824-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11402727 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with Lewy Body Dementia or individuals at risk who have access to clinical trial facilities and can participate in early drug development studies.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not benefit if the therapeutic compounds fail safety tests or do not reach effective concentrations in the brain.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop and optimize synthetic molecules called oligopyridylamides that block alpha-synuclein clumping and its spread in brain cells. The research team has already found OPs that reduce aggregation in cell, neuronal, and C. elegans models and shown they can cross the blood–brain barrier with no obvious toxicity in mice. The plan includes testing pharmaceutical properties and readying candidates for potential clinical development. If successful, these compounds could become a new type of treatment for people living with Lewy Body Dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could gain a new therapeutic option that targets the disease process itself and may slow progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in cellular and animal models have shown that similar synthetic mimetics can inhibit pathological protein aggregation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Denver (Colorado Seminary)
Denver, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, Sunil — University of Denver (Colorado Seminary)
- Study coordinator: Kumar, Sunil
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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.