Using engineered immune cells to treat ALS
Official title: Development of CM-CS1 CAR Treg to Treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Funded at Celdara Medical, LLC · NIH-11128419 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with ALS by using specially designed immune cells to target harmful proteins in the body, with the hope of reducing inflammation and slowing down the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Celdara Medical, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lebanon, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $921,486 |
| NIH project number | 4R44NS132666-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128419 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with ALS, particularly those with mutations in the SOD1 gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with ALS who do not have SOD1 mutations or those with advanced stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) by utilizing engineered immune cells known as CAR Tregs. These cells are designed to target and respond to misfolded proteins associated with ALS, specifically a protein called SOD1. By enhancing the function of these Tregs, the research aims to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression in ALS patients. The approach involves creating a mouse model to test the effectiveness of these engineered cells before moving to human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel therapy that slows the progression of ALS and improves the quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using engineered immune cells for various conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in ALS.
Where this research is happening
-
Celdara Medical, LLC
Lebanon, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murad, Joana M — Celdara Medical, LLC
- Study coordinator: Murad, Joana M
Related research
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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.