Using engineered macrophages to treat Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Off-the-shelf CAR-Engineered Macrophage Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11030891 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, easier, and safer treatment for Alzheimer's disease that uses specially designed cells to help clear harmful proteins from the brain, with the hope of improving memory and thinking skills for people living with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $810,596 |
| NIH project number | 1R61AG090384-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030891 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who are experiencing cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or those who do not have Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) using engineered macrophages derived from human stem cells. The approach aims to target and clear misfolded proteins that contribute to AD pathology, potentially reversing cognitive decline. Unlike traditional therapies that require frequent infusions and can have serious side effects, this 'off-the-shelf' solution is designed to be more accessible and safer for patients. The study will explore the effectiveness of these engineered cells in reducing the harmful proteins associated with Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While CAR therapies have shown success in oncology, this specific application in neurodegeneration is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sadowski, Martin Joseph — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Sadowski, Martin Joseph
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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.