For Collaborators

Program idea 1: Technology to cross blood-brain-barrier by antibody-drug conjugated (ADC) products, and CAR-T cells

Diseases like Glioblastoma and Alzheimer’s have no real-world cures. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and CAR-T cells have potential to be used for CNS diseases. However, those are limited by ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and achieve therapeutic concentrations. This highly ambitious and high impact research solicitation will be directed to develop technologies that can be used for CNS drug discoveries.

Program idea 2: Machine learning to predict neurodegenerative diseases in preclinical stages before widespread neurodegeneration

Like other research areas, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) in image analysis are growing trends in biomedical research. The last decades of the exponential growth of computer power and theoretical breakthroughs in extensive data handling power have accelerated the development of the research area of biomedical imaging. Artificial neural networks and deep-routed computer vision applications enable DL to support solving the shortcomings of biomedical imaging techniques such as MRI, EEG, MEG, PET, etc. One of the significant advantages of ML is the ability to predict where other standard statistical models fail. In addition, DL methods have the capabilities of quantitative image analysis, region-specific segmentation, and determining the acceptable structural changes concerning subtle changes in pathophysiology in the brain before widespread atrophy and irreversible brain damage. The program idea will unlock the full potential of healthcare and neurodegenerative data in AI/ML. With generative AI and purpose-built machine learning services in preclinical stages to be used for drug discovery before widespread neurodegeneration, the outcome of the program will easily integrate cutting-edge technologies into the existing workflows to accelerate innovations and fuel new discoveries.

Program idea 3: Therapeutic development to attenuate Alzheimer’s disease synaptic function

In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), synaptic loss is the pathological finding that most strongly correlates with the degree of dementia. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of synaptic repair and synaptogenesis is the key to addressing the critical need for early AD therapeutics. This proposal idea deals with the study of mechanism of synaptic dysfunction and how to address the inhibition of synaptic loss. The outcomes of the program will easily integrate cutting-edge therapeutic methods into the existing workflows to accelerate innovations and fuel new discoveries and drug development.

Program idea 4: Role of mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and age-related neurodegeneration

Mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells, can gradually deteriorate as we grow older. Dysfunctional mitochondria have been linked to diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and even normal aging. Poor water solubility, low selectivity, non-specific biodistribution, difficulty in delivering large molecules to the mitochondria, and potential off-target effects due to the complex cellular environment are challenging for drug discovery that is directed to mitochondrial dysfunction. A collaborative and sprit driven commitment is necessary to overcome such a huddle.

Program idea 5: Combination therapy for neurodegeneration

Combination therapy needs advanced, high potential, and high impact directed research towards neurodegeneration. One thing is clear: monotherapy can cure some of the CNS diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. A combination therapy that can replace the dead/defective neurons/synapses with regenerative new neurons/synapses could contribute to cognitive improvements.