The University of Barcelona will develop an epigenetics-based drug against Alzheimer’s disease
The University of Barcelona (UB) has received a €150,000 Product grant from AGAUR to develop an epigenetics-based drug against Alzheimer’s disease. This is a pioneering approach that could also be applied to the treatment of other central nervous system pathologies such as Huntington’s or Parkinson’s disease.
The project is led by Dr. Christian Griñán Ferré, researcher at the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences and the UB Institute of Neurosciences. Predoctoral researcher Alba Irisarri also participates as an entrepreneurial scientist, along with other members of the group and members of the faculty in the area of Medicinal Chemistry, from the group of Dr. Diego Muñoz-Torrero.
According to Dr. Griñán, “current main treatments for Alzheimer’s relieve symptoms without stopping disease progression. Given the urgent need for new treatments, epigenetics offers a very promising approach.”
In this regard, the new project is based on an innovative therapeutic strategy targeting epigenetic regulation —the mechanisms that control how genes are expressed without altering the DNA sequence, the molecule that contains genetic information in cells. In particular, it focuses on modulating m6A, a chemical mark added to RNA (the molecule that transmits DNA information and guides protein synthesis). This mechanism is key to neuronal function and is involved in the neurodegeneration that occurs during Alzheimer’s.
The research team has developed a new compound capable of effectively modulating m6A levels, thus reversing key pathological processes in this neurodegenerative disorder. “Unlike standard treatments for central nervous system disorders, epigenetic modulation using our compound improves synaptic plasticity and memory by regulating mRNA stability and translation (a specific type of RNA that carries genetic information),” Griñán explains.
Preliminary studies with this new compound —also supported by an AGAUR Seed grant— have shown a neuroprotective effect in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. They have also shown excellent safety profiles and permeability through the blood-brain barrier, one of the major challenges in developing drugs for central nervous system diseases.
Common mechanism with other diseases
Since the epigenetic mechanism targeted by the drug is involved in multiple central nervous system disorders, it could have therapeutic applications beyond Alzheimer’s disease. In Huntington’s disease, m6A dysregulation affects RNA metabolism and promotes neurotoxicity; in Parkinson’s disease, altered m6A levels impair RNA metabolism and neuronal function, worsening motor symptoms. “This new compound is a pioneering drug with the potential to become a new standard of care in areas with unmet clinical and commercial needs, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or Huntington’s disease,” the researcher highlights.
New experiments to reinforce drug valorization
The aim of the project is to advance the new compound to the regulatory preclinical development phase. This involves carrying out various in vivo studies in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease to demonstrate its effectiveness. In parallel, in vitro experiments, such as cell cultures, will be performed to determine the optimal dose, as well as toxicity and survival assays to strengthen the compound’s valorization.
Impact on the United Nations SDGs
The project directly contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On the one hand, it promotes SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by advancing innovative therapeutic solutions that can improve treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. It also supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by generating new job opportunities in biomedical research, pharmaceutical production and specialized healthcare. Finally, the potential of this approach to reduce inequalities in access to advanced treatments supports SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), helping to narrow health and economic gaps among vulnerable populations.
The project, file number 2025 PROD 00007, is part of the Knowledge Industry call in the “Product Grants aimed at obtaining prototypes and enhancing and transferring research results generated by research teams in Catalonia” category. The grant is awarded by the Department of Research and Universities of Catalonia and is intended to finance the valorization of technology or knowledge generated by research teams in Catalonia.