Philanthropic Grant Backs Alzheimer's Research at UT Health San Antonio

Led by Sarah Hopp, an associate professor at the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, the study evaluates the efficacy of 11h, an orally bioavailable, brain-penetrant PDE4 inhibitor. While current Alzheimer's treatments often focus on amyloid pathology, this research targets the dysfunctional microglial activity and immune signaling that accompany the disease. By modulating intracellular cyclic AMP signaling, the compound aims to address these underlying inflammatory pathways.

Goldenrod Therapeutics is contributing both the compound and its internal drug-development expertise to the partnership. The collaboration seeks to determine if combining this pharmacological approach with established anti-amyloid therapies produces synergistic benefits. According to Dev Chatterjee, CEO of Goldenrod, this early-stage support provides the necessary resources to bridge the gap between academic discovery and potential clinical application. The project was initially conceptualized by Kevin Bieniek, who helped establish the scientific foundation for the study before moving into the private sector. Findings from this work will guide Goldenrod’s broader strategy for addressing neurodegenerative disorders.