Therapy to clear harmful protein clumps in Alzheimer's, FTD, and ALS
Official title: Developing an Anti-proteotoxicity Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Funded at Rezigene, LLC · NIH-11194249 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Developing small-molecule medicines that help brain and nerve cells remove harmful misfolded proteins in people with Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, or ALS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rezigene, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $344,464 |
| NIH project number | 5R41NS137860-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11194249 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—especially those in earlier stages and willing to join future clinical trials—would be the likely candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without these neurodegenerative diseases, or those in very advanced stages with widespread damage, may not receive benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project looks for new molecular targets and small medicines that boost cells' natural systems for handling misfolded proteins. Scientists use large, unbiased lab screens along with genetic, biochemical, and cell-based tests to find and refine compounds that reprogram protein quality control. The work explores pathways beyond the classic heat shock or unfolded protein responses to better prevent toxic protein clumping. Promising compounds would be advanced toward further preclinical testing and eventual clinical studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the therapy could reduce toxic protein aggregates and slow nerve-cell damage, potentially slowing symptom progression in Alzheimer's, FTD, or ALS.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier lab and animal studies targeting proteostasis have reduced protein aggregates, but translating those findings into proven human therapies for common neurodegenerative diseases remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
Rezigene, LLC
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Tao — Rezigene, LLC
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Tao
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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.