Targeting a specific protein to reduce inflammation in bowel disease
Official title: Targeting the eNAMPT/TLR4 pathway to reduce Inflammatory Bowel Disease severity
Funded at Aqualung Therapeutics Corp. · NIH-10907806 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment called ALT-100, which is designed to help people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by targeting a protein that makes inflammation worse, with the hope of reducing symptoms and improving bowel health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Aqualung Therapeutics Corp. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Juno Beach, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 19, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $975,215 |
| NIH project number | 5R42DK135208-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10907806 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease who experience significant symptoms and have not responded adequately to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild IBD symptoms or those who have not been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a novel humanized monoclonal antibody called ALT-100, which aims to neutralize a protein known as eNAMPT that plays a significant role in activating inflammatory pathways in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). By targeting this protein, the research seeks to limit bowel injury and fibrosis, potentially reducing the severity of IBD symptoms. The approach is based on evidence showing that eNAMPT levels are elevated in IBD patients and correlate with disease severity. Patients may be monitored for changes in inflammation and overall bowel health as part of the research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting eNAMPT for inflammatory conditions, suggesting that this approach may be effective in treating IBD as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Aqualung Therapeutics Corp.
Juno Beach, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garcia, Joe G. N. — Aqualung Therapeutics Corp.
- Study coordinator: Garcia, Joe G. N.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Mitochondrial Talks: How Energy Networks Shape Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Aimed at people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), this project explores how tiny cell powerhouses in the gut may go out of balance and contribute to IBD, with the goal of restoring energy and reducing disease symptoms.
-
Mn in inflammatory bowel disease: how manganese and genes may shape gut inflammation
This grant studies how the mineral manganese and a specific gene variant may influence inflammatory bowel disease in people of different ages.
-
AI-Enhanced Virtual Reality CBT to Reduce Anxiety for IBD Patients
A home-based VR and AI-powered cognitive behavioral therapy program is being tested to help people with inflammatory bowel disease feel less anxious and improve their quality of life.
-
Gasdermin-based epithelial function in inflammatory bowel disease
A funding opportunity that explores how gasdermin proteins affect the lining of the gut and may influence inflammatory bowel disease.
-
Intestinal chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans and their role in inflammatory bowel disease
A clinician-scientist mentoring program aims to advance understanding of how intestinal sugar molecules called chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans influence inflammatory bowel disease and patient care.
-
Improving IBD outcomes through community awareness, referrals, and education
A U01 grant will support programs to raise awareness, improve referrals, and educate patients and clinicians about inflammatory bowel disease to improve diagnosis and care.
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.