Could a common drug shield the brain from Alzheimer's?
NCT ID NCT07728175
First seen Jul 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 4 times
Summary
This phase 1 trial tests whether sirolimus (rapamycin), an FDA-approved medication, can improve blood flow and energy use in the brains of women aged 45 to 65 who carry the ApoE4 gene — a gene that raises the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Participants are randomly assigned to take either sirolimus or a placebo daily for four weeks. The study uses MRI scans and blood tests to measure changes in brain blood flow and related markers.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- sirolimus (rapamycin), an FDA-approved medication that may improve blood flow to the brain
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a way to delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease in people with the ApoE4 gene.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early phase 1 trial with a small number of participants and a short 4-week treatment period. It tests only a biomarker (blood flow), not whether Alzheimer's is actually prevented. Sirolimus can have side effects like mouth sores, infections, and metabolic changes.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri, 65212, United States
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